The Northern Irish star admits that he wouldn't put himself through the agony that Tiger Woods has suffered to extend his playing career after it was revealed that the 15-time major winner has had surgery on a ruptured Achilles injury.

McIlroy, 35, told reporters: "Something would have gone terribly wrong if I have to compete at 50.

"What has happened to Tiger sucks. But judging by his previous behaviour I know he’ll try to come back from this.

"I wouldn’t put myself through it and that is no disrespect to Tiger.

"I have just never envisaged keeping going that long.

"I’m already 18 years into a professional career and, when I feel the time is right, I’ll have no problem moving aside and letting the next generation do their thing.

"I look at other sports and I’ve already had an unbelievable career.

"Not a lot of athletes can say they’ve had such a long career. And I’m only 35."

The world number two explained that he will retire when he feels he has accomplished everything he can in the game but wouldn't want to reach a point where is "embarrassing" himself on the course.

McIlroy - who turned professional when he was 18 - said: "When I’ve achieved everything I want to in the game and I get to the point where I don’t think I can maybe do that anymore, I’m gone.

"I’d also like to walk away with a little bit left in the tank. I don’t want to be out there embarrassing myself.

"I’d like to walk away maybe a little before I should, to finish on my own terms."