“Blown out proportion” – Patrick Reed downplays the ‘tee incident’ with Rory Mcllroy in Dubai
Patrick Reed was at the center of a skirmish with former world No.1 Rory McIlroy when the two played together at the 2023 Dessert Classic last month. Reportedly, Reed threw a tee at McIlroy before engaging in a war of words.
Ahead of the first LIV Golf tournament in Mexico, Patrick Reed opened up about his fight with Rory McIlroy.
In an interview with Golf Digest, Reed said:
"The thing about Dubai is it got blown out proportion, as if it was something horrible between two players when him and I were staying at the same hotel, and both times we saw each other [we said] ‘Hi, how you doing?’ It was normal.
Was there probably some gamesmanship? And probably some stuff going on because of a bunch of other stuff? Is there probably some gamesmanship?
Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy made headlines repeatedly during the 2023 Dessert Classic. Although the two had their differences, Reed still respects Rory. He spoke about the Northern Irish golfer in his interview :
"I've always had full respect for Rory. I've always loved the battles I've had against him. I've just watched the [2016] Ryder Cup highlights [recently] … they are insane.
Same thing at Augusta [ 2018 Masters] when I was playing with him on the Sunday … there's nothing better you want as a player trying to win your first major than it being against Rory Mcllroy. He was also going for his career grand slam.”
Reed and McIlroy will probably compete at the 2023 Masters in April. Last year's winner Scottie Scheffler will return to defend his title.
"Dinner is all about Scottie" Patrick Reed talks about the winner's dinner
Patrick Reed won the Masters in 2018 and will be joining Scottie Scheffler at the winner's dinner in April. Reed shared stories from past dinners, revealing how pleasant his experience has been. In his interview with Golf Digest, Reed said:
"The thing is, the Champions Dinner has nothing to do with myself or any other person in that room except for Scottie Scheffler. That’s his dinner. My experiences during those dinners have been amazing. We’re always talking about past experiences at Augusta, how the other guys have won the [Masters], what obstacles they had to overcome, the shots they pulled off in their experiences.
He further added:
“Knowing the guys out here on LIV and also some of the older guys … that night and that dinner is all about Scottie and has nothing to do with where someone’s playing, what happened a week ago, what’s happening going forward. It’s all about that event. It is literally Scottie’s night and that’s how it’s always going to be.”
The dinner will be held on Tuesday, April 4 at Augusta National this year.
Interestingly, LIV golfers are allowed to compete at the tournament despite being barred from playing on the PGA Tour.