It is common knowledge that Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell have a legal issue to iron out, although the duo have played down the effect on their friendship and ability to play together at the Ryder Cup.

Phil Mickelson will be going up against McIlroy, McDowell and Europe for the US team at Gleneagles this weekend, and he mischievously played on any signs of tensions in the European camp:

"Not only do we play together, we don't litigate against each other. That's a real plus, I feel, heading into this week," he said, making a pointed reference to McIlroy and McDowell, before jokingly adding:  "I couldn't resist."

McIlroy and McDowell today ©INPHO/Cathal Noonan