His comments came after McIlroy opened up on his unsuccessful attempt to rejoin the policy board, describing the situation as “complicated” and “messy” while also addressing rumours over his strained relationship with Woods as a direct result of the inability to finalise a merger that has torn golf in two.

"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,” he explained.

"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."