26 January 2023 , 10:25
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PGA Tour stars Colin Morikawa and Max Homa have been able to see the funny side of professional golf's 'tee-gate' between Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy.
Both Reed and McIlroy are in action at this week's Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour. During their preparations for the event, the pair reportedly clashed on the driving range at the Majlis Course, which resulted in the American appearing to throw a tee at his Ryder Cup rival.
The pair's rivalry is known to be a strong one, and this has only heightened due to their differing views on golf's ongoing civil war between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.
World No. 1 McIlroy has been one of LIV Golf's biggest critics over the past year, while Reed was one of the many controversial PGA Tour stars to make the move to the Saudi-funded series.
In a press conference on Wednesday, Reed confirmed he had thrown the tee - which was LIV Golf branded - in the direction of McIlroy after the Northern Irishman failed to acknowledge the 2018 Masters champion. Labelling the four-time major champion an 'immature little child', Reed said: "walked over there and wished Harry [Diamond, McIlroy’s caddie] Happy New Year and then Rory, because it is the first time I have seen them.
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"Harry shook my hand and Rory just looked down there and was messing with his Trackman (device) and kind of decided to ignore us... He saw me and he decided not to not to react. It's unfortunate but it is one of those things – if you're going to act like an immature little child then you might as well be treated like one."
Reed throws a tee down at McIlroy on the driving range (@Tengolf/Twitter)
McIlroy slammed Reed after the driving range incident (Getty Images)McIlroy meanwhile admitted the snub had a much deeper meaning than Reed's LIV Golf links, after saying he received a subpoena from the American star's lawyer on Christmas Eve.
"I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve," McIlroy commented. "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. 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.”
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In the wake of the incident, the world No. 1 and two-time Desert Classic went on to describe 'tee-gate' as a storm in a tea cup. It has seemingly encapsulated the golfing world with tensions already high, however Homa and Morikawa could not help but see the funny side.
Tweeting after shooting a four-under-par 68 in the opening round of the Farmers Insurance Open, Homa joked: "Had a nice time on the course today. 5 birdies, 1 bogey, no subpoenas. Very successful start to the week!" His round one and two playing partner was quick to respond, as Morikawa responded: "Was so close to throwing a tee at you but you’re too nice."