On Tuesday, news broke that Patrick Reed had thrown a golf tee at Rory McIlroy on the driving range at the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic. McIlroy set the story straight on Wednesday, detailing the encounter and explaining why he was in no mood to speak with the former Masters champion.
“I was down with my bags, and he came up to me, and I was busy with work and doing my drills, and I didn’t really feel like … I didn’t feel the need to acknowledge him,” McIlroy he said. “So, I didn’t exactly see a tee in my direction, but that’s apparently what happened. And if the roles were reversed and I threw that tee at him, I would expect a lawsuit.”
Strange that McIlroy, the world’s No. 1 golfer, mentioned a lawsuit. He later shared that he was summoned on Christmas Eve by Larry Kleiman, a member of Reid’s legal team. The lawsuit alleges that McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, the PGA Tour and others colluded to destroy LIV golf. Reed himself is not the issuer in the lawsuit as he is embroiled in numerous defamation cases against various members of the media.
“I was summoned by his attorney on Christmas Eve,” McElroy said. “So, of course, trying to have a good time with your family, and someone shows up at your door and delivers it, you’re not taking it well. So again, I Living in reality, I don’t know where he’s living. If I were in his place, I wouldn’t expect a hello or a handshake.”
No story is complete without hearing both sides, and Reed shares his memories of the events. Reed claims that after shaking hands with McIlroy’s caddy, Harry Diamond, he attempted to do the same to Rory, but was tricked.
Reid said, “Rory was just looking down and messing with his trackman and decided to ignore us.” golf digest, “We all know where this came from – being a part of LIV. Since my tees are Team Aces LIV tees, I flicked them. It was kind of a funny shot back. Funny how A little flick turned into me basically stabbing him and throwing a tee at him.
“She looked at me, and she decided not to react. It’s unfortunate because we’ve always had a good relationship. … But it’s one of those things, if you’re going to act like an immature little kid.” If you are, you should be treated the same.”
Irony aside, this moment on the driving range in Dubai appears to be the latest chapter in a long-running battle between the two dominant champions. After previously competing in the Masters and Ryder Cup, if the golf gods are indeed watching over us, there will be a final round duel this weekend on the DP World Tour.
