Suggestions there is still a rift between long time friends and fellow US Open winners Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell have again been dispelled and on this occasion by his long-time client manager, Sean O’Flaherty.

O’Flaherty has been by McIlroy’s side since the double Major winning left ISM to move to the Dublin-based Horizon.

And all O’Flaherty has done is add to recent observations declaring there’s no rift between the Northern Ireland born duo.

“Rory and G Mac are as good as gold and don’t believe everything you read in the papers,” said O’Flaherty.

And Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley endorsed the comments after having spent time this week in Shanghai with many of his potential Gleneagles competitors.

“G Mac and Rory are okay so they’ll be fine,” said McGinley.

“I sat down with both of them separately this week and it’s clear from talking to them they’re okay with each other.”

The Northern Ireland born pair of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell walk in behind the Ireland flag at the 2011 World Cup of Golf at Hainan Island in China. (Photo – Getty Images)