Andy Murray offered words of encouragement to Rory McIlroy after meeting him at the Wentworth Celebrity Pro-Am this week.
The 37-year-old British sports icon has played a lot of golf since retiring from tennis at the Olympics last month.
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Murray played in the inaugural BMW PGA Championship in Surrey alongside fellow Scot Bob McIntyre.
At the event, the three-time major winner looked delighted to meet his old friend McIlroy.
When the golfer approached him, a smiling Murray asked: “How are you?”
After the conversation between the two, Murray said that he has been playing a lot of golf since retiring from tennis.
He then offered heartfelt encouragement to McIlroy, who has endured a turbulent year both on and off the golf course.
The 35-year-old actor filed for divorce from his wife Erica in May, and dramatically changed his mind the following month.
He then missed out on winning the US Open title, as he was leading with just a few holes remaining.
McIlroy suffered a similar result at the Irish Open earlier this month.
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Speaking to his friend, Murray said, “Great job this year. It’s been tough, but you did a great job.”
The former two-time Wimbledon champion later responded on social media to those who were pointing out flaws in his golf game.
He wrote: “A big thank you to all the amateur golfers on social media for the constructive criticism of my golf swing.
“much appreciated.”
Among those who reacted was former world number 7 Mardy Fish, who has lost five of nine meetings with Murray.
He wrote: “Hey Andy, Mardy Fish is here…
“I will play with you and take all the prize money that I lost by defeating you on the tennis court. What’s the matter?”
Fish, 42, plays at about a 3 handicap, while Murray played at a 7 handicap at Wentworth.
