Patrick Reed signals peace to resolve Rory McIlroy's ‘Tee-Gate’ rift after three years at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic

Patrick Reed got into a heated argument with Rory McIlroy about the ‘Tee Gate’ incident during the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic. The two pros weren’t the biggest admirers of each other as they are competing for the title at the Emirates Golf Club. However, Reed wants to make peace three years after the incident first occurred.

Reed told Martin Dempster of The Scotsman, “It was hilarious. I guess I need to grab a handful (of tees) and break the ice. Go up to him like that, and maybe he needs to throw one at me.”

Patrick Reed’s lawsuit against The PGA Tour

Patrick Reed approached Rory McIlroy for a handshake back in 2023. However, the Irishman refused the gesture. He was irritated because of the subpoena he received from the American pro’s lawyer, Larry Klayman, in December 2022. In retaliation, the 2018 Masters Tournament champion threw a tee in McIlroy’s general direction.

Interestingly, the subpoena from Klayman was not addressed specifically to the Grand Slam champion. The PGA Tour was sued for defamation by Reed's attorney for scheming with the DP World Tour to keep players from switching to LIV Golf. Speaking of the lawsuit, the judge approved the PGA Tour's request to have Klayman's claims dismissed.

As long as McIlroy’s outlook on Reed goes, it wasn’t particularly good in 2023. It would have been influenced by his relocation to LIV Golf. However, it was primarily because he had been served. But the terms between the two stars are quite different this year. They have also shifted position on the leaderboard. Reed leads the Hero Dubai Desert Classic 2026 after three rounds, and McIlroy is far away from the top.


Rory McIlroy’s opinions on Patrick Reed's statement

After Brooks Koepka confirmed his return to the PGA Tour, Rory McIlroy was among the first to greet him. That came as a surprise considering the historical rivalry. That hinted that Koepka’s affiliation with LIV Golf may have caused the rift between them. Reed also had an interesting reaction to the former Smash GC captain’s PGA Tour return. Reed was willing to consider taking a similar action, in contrast to some of his colleagues. However, the only requirement he had was to continue to be a part of LIV Golf.

Patrick Reed said, “If it’s up to me, I’d play everywhere. I’m already playing on three tours [LIV, the DP World Tour, and the Asian Tour], so why not add one more? I always enjoyed my time out there on the PGA Tour. I mean, let’s be honest, it’s the best tour in the world. Look at what they’ve done in golf. You know, I could see myself playing there at some point again.”

Reed’s positive reflection of his time with the PGA Tour might have surprised McIlroy. However, that’s not the only time their viewpoints have aligned. It would be shocking if Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed didn't reconcile, considering how often they share similar views.



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