Is Tiger Woods friends with Rory McIlroy? Relationship between the two explored

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy have had many things in common during their respective careers, saving the distance between the winning records of one and the other. This includes being the top-ranked golfers in the world, each at their respective times, and sharing more than one sponsor.

These coincidences led to a close relationship between them, from which a solid friendship arose that remains to this day. Both met around the time when Rory McIlroy achieved his PGA Tour card (2010), when Tiger Woods was already a big star on the circuit.

Rory McIlroy was immediately signed by Nike, the brand that also sponsored Woods for 26 years. After that, they have had other sponsors in common, such as TaylorMade.

Between playing numerous tournaments together and common obligations to their sponsors, it happened that Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy shared a considerable amount of time together. Their commonality of views led them to share the friendship they maintain to this day.

Both stars communicate daily, as Rory McIlroy confirmed to Off The Ball in September 2023. Also, both reside within 10 miles of each other in the state of Florida (McIlroy in Jupiter and Tiger Woods on Jupiter Island).

Over the years, the two players have shared the stage in numerous golf-related activities. From The Match to the TGL League, the presence of each is attractive, but if they are together, it makes all the difference.

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Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's friendship in the present day

Several things have changed for both Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy in recent months. The Northern Irishman resigned from his position on the PGA Tour Policy Board and radically changed his discourse on LIV Golf. Woods, on the other hand, took over as Player Director and has been one of the leaders of the PGA Tour in the negotiations to resolve the conflict with LIV Golf.

No information has come to light to suggest that this has affected the friendly relationship between the two. On the contrary, Woods' most recent reference to McIlroy was marked with the utmost respect.

It occurred during the most recent edition of the Masters. Woods was asked about how elusive a victory there had been for McIlroy. Here's what Woods had to say (via the Daily Mail):

"No question he'll do it at some point. Rory's too talented, too good, and he's gonna be playing this event for a very long time. He'll get it done. It's just a matter of when. I think Rory will be a great Masters champion one day."

Regarding Woods' remarks, McIlroy said (according to Irish Golfer) that it is always "nice" to hear such words from a player of the experience and quality of the 15-time Major champion.