Rory McIlroy reveals banter with Tiger Woods

World number one Rory McIlroy has revealed that he and Tiger Woods mock each other during tournaments where they are paired together.

With Woods currently ranked number two in the standings, some reports had claimed that the duo's relationship had become strained. Woods also has a reputation as a sportsman who takes his profession incredibly seriously, with very little time for banter.

However, in an interview with The Times, Irishman McIlroy has insisted that nothing could be further from the truth.

"Tiger gives me stick about being short. He always asks me 'seriously, how tall are you?'" said the 23-year-old. "I'll say, 'five nine'.

"'Yeah, but without the hair? That's five seven, right?' He'll ask me, 'What do you do when Caroline [Wozniacki] wears heels?'

"But I give him grief about all sorts. Getting old, getting bald. He doesn't take himself too seriously, certainly not when I'm around."

The pair will come up against each other at the Ryder Cup later this month.