Reed slams "assassination" over McIlroy incident as he flicks tee at reporters

27 January 2023 , 07:35

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Patrick Reed says there have been 'assassination on both sides' after this week's tee-gate saga with Rory McIlroy (Image: Getty Images)

American golfer Patrick Reed claims that there have been "assassination on both sides" during the 'tee-gate' saga and jokingly flicked a tee at reporters during his opening round in Dubai today.

The row started when Rory McIlroy was practicing ahead of this week's DP World Tour event when LIV Golf rebel Reed approached him to say hello. However, when the Northern Irishman failed to acknowledge him Reed stormed away and threw a tee in McIlroy's direction.

Four-time major winner McIlroy revealed that the reason he ignored Reed was that he had received a subpoena from the American's lawyer on Christmas Eve ordering him to give evidence in Reed's lawsuits against Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee.

"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," McIlroy said.

"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.”

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McIlroy said that he hadn't seen the tee being thrown, but joked that if he had been the one throwing the item then he might expect a lawsuit against him.

Reed hit back at the four-time major tournament champion calling him an 'immature little child' for ignoring his welcome wishes. The LIV Golf rebel admitted to flicking one of his Team Aces LIV tees after feeling that he was being ignored amid the row between PGA Tour members and their LIV Golf counterparts.

Patrick Reed was filmed flicking a tee in the direction of Rory McIlroy

"It was kind of a funny shot back," Reed added. "Funny how a small little flick has turned into basically me stabbing him and throwing a tee at him... He saw me and he decided 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."

During his opening round at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic today Reed noticed a group of reporters and jokingly flicked one of his Team Aces LIV in their direction. Bad light caused the suspension of play with Reed one shot off the lead at -4 after 16 holes with McIlroy a further two shots back.

Rory McIlroy sits three shots off the lead after 15 holes in the Hero Dubai Desert Classic first round when bad light caused the suspension of play (Getty Images)

Tensions seem to have now eased between the rivals after McIlroy's team told Reed's about a suspension in play ahead of today's opening round during a chance meeting.

"Honestly, what happened this week was really nothing but then it turned into the huge “tee-gate” with assassination on both sides," Reed added. "You really have to learn how to handle days when there may be a lot of drama and days that are normal."

Benjamin Goddard