Sledging in golf is more banter than bitter, says Rory

Rory McIlroy admits sledging isn’t just the reserve of cricketers but insists the golfing version isn’t as venomous as the war of words between Australia and England.

Asked about on-course ‘conversations’ with Tiger Woods, he replied: “There’s a bit more humour in it and a bit more banter.

“I think it is a bit different when two people know each other pretty well, you can get that bond and know it’s a bit of fun. At least you can go and have a beer or whatever after play. I don’t think those guys are having beers together after the Test matches.”