McIlroy denies arguing with Woods over the future of the game

Rory McIlroy says there is “no tension” in his relationship with Tiger Woods but admits they have different views on the future of men’s professional golf.

The disagreement arises from ongoing negotiations over a potential deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf’s Saudi sponsors.

World number two McIlroy, who has softened his stance on the breakaway LIV tour, revealed he is now a member of the “transactions subcommittee” that is trying to reach a deal.

However, McIlroy said Wednesday that he will not return to the PGA Tour’s political board after “It became quite complicated and quite messy”.

The Telegraph reported that Woods, a 15-time major winner, voted against McIlroy rejoining the board.

“I would say, I mean, I think friends can have disagreements or not see things – I guess not – not agree on things but have disagreements about things,” McIlroy said.

“I think it’s okay. But no, I wouldn’t say it: we had a very good chat last Friday for 45 minutes about many different things.

“No, there is no tension there. “I think we might look at the future of golf a little differently, but I don’t think that should put a strain on a relationship or friendship.”

Woods and 2013 Masters winner Adam Scott are also part of a five-member subcommittee that will negotiate with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

McIlroy, speaking after shooting a first four-under 67 at the Wells Fargo Championship, added: “I already had calls with that group; I had a really good hour and a half of Zoom with those guys on Sunday.

“We reviewed a 150-page document about the future product model and all that.

“Yes, I’m not on the board, but I’m involved in that transaction committee in some way. “I don’t have a vote, so I don’t… you know, I guess I don’t have a meaningful say in what happens in the future.”

At the PGA Tour policy meeting, McIlroy backtracked somewhat on his comments Wednesday when he also said there was “a subset of people on the board who were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back for some reason.”

A day later he stated that it had more to do with bureaucracy.

“I don’t necessarily think or believe that people wouldn’t want me to be involved. “It was more just the process of how I could get involved again, right,” she said.