Tiger Woods, the only athlete bigger than sport: Jeev Milkha Singh

Tiger Woods is the only athlete in the world who is bigger than the sport he plays, Indian golf veteran Jeev Milkha Singh said Tuesday as he complemented the American superstar, who once described him as a "great guy and a good friend".

Jeev, whose career took a hit because of incessant injury breakdowns, praised the American for winning his 80th PGA Tour title last month, which was his first in five years.

The win made for a remarkable triumph over career-threatening injuries for the celebrated 42-year-old, who endured quite a few other setbacks in the last few years as well.

"I feel that he has got another three-four years during which he is going to win a few tournaments," said the 47-year-old Jeev.

"For me, personally, Tiger is the only athlete in the world who is bigger than the sport...there have been legends in basketball, in athletics, but I think what Tiger has done for golf, he is bigger than the sport.

"The awareness he has brought for golf, I think nobody could have done ..