The 2024 Hero World Challenge is just around the corner, and Albany, Bahamas, will host 20 of the top 50 players in the world, all fighting for the title. Among these players is Scottie Scheffler, who returns to defend his title after a strong 2023 season. But if you were looking for Rory McIlroy in the mix, you’d be disappointed as he’s not competing this year.

One of the other notable absences is Tiger Woods. But Woods has good reasons. Injuries. Surgery. Recovery. And he’s also ther host! What about Rors then? Earlier this year, rumors swirled about a potential rift between the pair, around their differing views on the PGA Tour’s response to LIV Golf. Some media outlets even pounced on this difference of opinion, labeling it a “feud.” So is that the reason the Northern Irishman has opted out of the Woods-hosted event?

No.

Let’s look back. Since these feud rumors, McIlroy already refuted the claims. “Friends can have disagreements or not see eye to eye on things.” He went on to clarify, “No, there’s no strain there,” he said, downplaying the rumors. “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.” So, while their views on the future of golf might not always align, McIlroy has made it clear there’s no bad blood between them.

Instead, likely, his hectic schedule and the fact that he’s taking a bit of time off to rest and regroup is the real reason for missing the event. Remember McIlroy stated that he wanted some family time and hence would be reducing his schedule? Looks like that may have begun already. And considering that he’s got the ‘Showdown’ against LIV Golf coming up in mid-December, he may not have wanted too much golf during the month.​

McIlroy and Woods haven’t played together since the 2023 Genesis Invitational in California. Again that’s because Woods has been away and now perhaps they’ll be seen together on the course even lesser with McIlroy’s smaller playing schedule. However, their bond is far from hampered. Hear it from the 4-time major winner himself! Woods remains a mentor and role model to him.

Rory McIlroy ‘really’ admires Tiger Woods

While Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods might not always see eye to eye on the future of golf, one thing is for sure: McIlroy holds Woods in the highest regard. In fact, in Netflix’s Full Swing documentary, he opened up about the impact Woods had on him when he was growing up. “I was obsessed with golf and when Tiger came on the scene, I just remember watching Tiger play golf on Sunday nights, because of the time difference,” McIlroy said.

The Northern Irishman even claimed that the 15-time major winner had taken golf to “a new level”. “He still is my hero and to a lot of people, he is golf,” he boldly stated. The golf pro’s admiration for Woods moreover runs deep. He truly believes that no one in the sport can ever match up to his friend. “There’ll never be another Tiger for so many reasons,” McIlroy said, reflecting on Woods’ legacy. “He’s set a great example for a lot of us moving forward.”

So there you have it. Despite their differences, their bond remains as strong. And while they may not always agree on ideas about the PGA Tour, the two also bond beyond that, particularly in their business ventures. Yes, they’re more than just competitors—they’re collaborators. Or have you forgotten their partnered venture, the TGL? Does the progress with their simulator league seem like it’s being run by 2 people in a feud?