Rory McIlroy: No strain in relationship with Tiger Woods
Reports suggested their friendship had soured in recent months
Rory McIlroy insists there is "no strain" in his relationship with Tiger Woods after reports emerged that the 15-time Major winner didn’t want McIlroy to return to the PGA Tour Policy Board.
McIlroy had been expected to return to the board he left at the end of last year after 2012 US Open winner Simpson said he was stepping down to spend more time with his family.
But that was put to a stop by several players on the board who felt “uncomfortable” about McIlroy automatically taking Simpson’s spot without going through the formal process.
The board includes Tiger Woods, Adam Scott, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Cantlay and Peter Malnati.
Cantlay and Spieth have had past disputes with McIlroy over golf’s future direction, with McIlory believing globalisation of the game is the way forward, while the American duo are cautious of such a move.
Despite rumours that Woods’ relationship with McIlroy had also soured, the four-time Major winner insisted his friendship with Woods remains strong despite their differing views on some elements of golf's future.
"I mean, I think friends can have disagreements or not see eye to eye on things," said McIlroy.
"I think that's fine.
"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."
While McIlory won’t be part of the PGA Tour Policy Board, he is now one of three active players on the newly-created PGA Tour Enterprises' Transaction Subcommittee, alongside Woods and Scott.
The trio are part of the seven-person subcommittee alongside four additional members of the PGA Tour Enterprises Board, including PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.
"I've already had calls with that group [transaction subcommittee]," said McIlroy.
"I had a really good hour and a half Zoom with those guys on Sunday, we went through a 150-page doc about the future product model and everything.
"Yeah, I'm not on the board, but I'm in some way involved in that transaction committee. I don't have a vote so I don't, you know, I don't have I guess a meaningful say in what happens in the future.
"But at least I can, I feel like I can be helpful on that committee, and that was sort of a compromise for I guess not getting a board seat."