Cape Town - Golfing great Greg Norman has said that Tiger Woods would likely never get back to his major-winning form.
Woods has won 14 majors, but a long list of injury woes has kept him out of PGA tournaments since August last year.
"The older he gets, the younger the other players get. It's harder for him," Norman said.
Woods delayed his comeback after three back operations in 19 months, withdrawing from the Safeway Open this month.
"Quite honestly, to compete at that high-end level, your body doesn't allow you to do it," Norman said.
"Your mind wants to, but at the end of the day, it's very difficult to match these kids who are in their 20s when you're in your 40s."
Woods, whose win in the 2008 US Open was his last major triumph, last week said he was aiming for a comeback in December and still dreamed of overtaking Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 majors.
However, Norman said Woods should be realistic about his chances.
"At the end of the day, you've just got to look at your options, be a realist to yourself," Norman said.