Word went round Tuesday that Patrick Reed had thrown a golf tee at Rory McIlroy on the driving vary on the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic. McIlroy set the story straight on Wednesday, detailing the encounter and explaining why he was in no temper to talk with the previous Masters champion.
“I was down by my bag, and he came up to me, and I was busy working and sort of doing my practice, and I didn’t really feel like … I didn’t feel the need to acknowledge him,” McIlroy stated. “So, I didn’t see a tee coming my direction at all, but apparently that’s what happened. And if roles were reversed and I’d have throw that tee at him, I’d be expecting a lawsuit.”Â
Funny that McIlroy, the world No. 1 golfer, talked about a lawsuit. He later shared that he had been subpoenaed by Larry Klayman, a member of Reed’s authorized workforce, on Christmas Eve. The lawsuit alleges an antitrust violation claiming the McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Davis Love III, the PGA Tour and others are in cahoots to destroy LIV Golf. Reed himself shouldn’t be an issuer in the lawsuit as he stays caught up in the numerous defamation circumstances towards numerous members of the media.
“I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve,” McIlroy stated. “So, of course, trying to have a nice time with my family, and someone shows up on your doorstep and delivers that, you’re not going to take that well. So again, I’m living in reality, I don’t know where he’s living. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t expect a hello or a handshake.”
No story is full with out listening to each side, and Reed shared his personal recollection of the occasions. Reed claims, after shaking arms with McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, he tried to do the identical with Rory solely to get snubbed.
“Rory just looked down there and was messing with his Trackman and kind of decided to ignore us,” Reed advised Golf Digest. “We all knew where it came from — being part of LIV. Since my tees are Team Aces LIV tees, I flicked him one. It was kind of a funny shot back. Funny how a small little flick has turned into basically me stabbing him and throwing a tee at him.
“He noticed me, and he determined to not react. It’s unlucky as a result of we have at all times had an excellent relationship. … But it is a type of issues, if you are going to act like an immature little little one, you then would possibly as nicely be handled like one.”
Irony apart, this second on the driving vary in Dubai seems to be simply the most recent chapter of a long-term battle between the 2 main champions. Having beforehand squared off on the Masters and the Ryder Cup, if the golf gods are in truth trying down on us, a ultimate spherical duel this weekend on the DP World Tour can be the subsequent.