The ongoing negotiations over a deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to unite the parties have brought tensions to the relationship between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods
His friendship with Tiger Woods remains intact despite them disagreeing about the future of golf.
Two of golf’s biggest stars have a long friendship, but have found themselves on opposite sides of the divide in the sport recently. Negotiations are ongoing over a deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian backers of LIV Golf following a fractious period.
McIlroy was previously anti-LIV Golf, but has softened his stance and is now a key figure who is trying to unite the two camps. He has become a member of the transaction subcommittee trying to do a deal – a position which came after he was rejected when he applied to re-join the PGA Tour’s policy board.
It has also brought him into conflict with Woods, who reportedly voted against McIlroy being able to re-join the board. Reports had suggested their relationship had ‘soured’ due to the politics. The Northern Irishman admitted that things “got pretty complicated and pretty messy” but rejected reports that he and Woods had fallen out.
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“I would say, I mean, I think friends can have disagreements or not see things – I guess not – not see eye to eye on things but have disagreements on things,” McIlroy said. “I think that’s fine. But no, I wouldn’t say – we had a really good talk last Friday for 45 minutes, just about a lot of different things.
“No, there’s no strain there. I think we might see the future of golf a little bit differently, but I don’t think that should place any strain on a relationship or on a friendship.” McIlroy resigned from the PGA Tour policy board in November amid frustrations over the direction of the tour and the impact the role was having on his game and personal life.
Last month he accepted a plea from Webb Simpson, who wanted to resign from his role on the condition that McIlroy replaced him. But that idea was scuppered by the other members who rejected the world No.2’s return.
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