McIlroy and Woods Friendship Not Strained Despite LIV Golf Tensions

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have confirmed their friendship remains strong despite the ongoing tensions between the PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

The relationship between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods has been under scrutiny in recent months amid the escalating conflict between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. However, McIlroy has emphatically denied any rift between the two legends.

"I think friends can have disagreements," McIlroy said after Thursday's round at the Wells Fargo Championship. "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."

The rumors of a potential strain between McIlroy and Woods stemmed from reports that Woods was the only player involved in a subcommittee responsible for negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf's Saudi backers. However, McIlroy has clarified that his friendship with Woods remains solid, despite their differing views on the future of golf.

"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 said.

McIlroy also addressed his decision not to return to the PGA Tour's player board, as was previously expected. He explained that while he doesn't have voting power on the board, he remains involved in the transaction committee, which provides input on major decisions.

"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 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," McIlroy said.

McIlroy expressed confidence in Webb Simpson, who will remain on the player board. "Webb is a very level-headed, balanced, big-picture guy. So if it wasn’t me taking his seat, the next best thing was Webb staying on, and I’m happy about that," McIlroy said.

On the golf course, McIlroy is in contention at the Wells Fargo Championship, sitting four shots behind leader Xander Schauffele heading into the weekend. He is confident in his chances, having gone bogey-free on Friday.

"Another solid day. I feel like I probably could’ve squeezed a couple more out of the round, but anytime you can go around this golf course bogey-free, you know it's always going to be a decent day," McIlroy said.

"Two solid days, I’ve set myself up for another good go at it this weekend."

While the LIV Golf controversy continues to divide the golf world, it has not impacted the bond between McIlroy and Woods. The two legends remain close friends, despite their different perspectives on the future of the sport.