Patrick Reed downplays tee flick incident with Rory McIlroy: "It was NORMAL!"
LIV Golf League player Patrick Reed offered different thoughts about Rory McIlroy after Sergio Garcia described the Northern Irishman as 'immature'.
LIV Golf League player Patrick Reed says his memorable tee flick involving Rory McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic was painted as if "it was something horrible" between two players as he predicted things will cool down between the warring tours in 2023.
Reed almost chased down McIlroy, 33, in the first Rolex Series event of the year on the DP World Tour.
In the end, McIlroy was victorious by one stroke thanks to making a birdie at the 72nd hole.
Related: Sergio Garcia slams 'immature' McIlroy
But much of that week's coverage involved reaction from Reed, 32, flicking a LIV-branded 4 Aces GC towards McIlroy.
McIlroy later said he deliberately ignored Reed, but only because he was served a legal summons on Christmas eve from Reed's lawyer.
For his part, Reed said the subpoena had absolutely nothing to do with him.
The American was also involved in another rules debate - this time involving a pair of binoculars.
That, too, was blown out of proportion according to Reed who was speaking to Golf Digest's Evin Priest on the eve of the second LIV Golf campaign.
He told the publication:
A ruling is expected soon in the DP World Tour v LIV Golf hearing.
A retired high court judge will determine whether the European-based circuit can effectively fine and suspend those for playing in LIV events.
The decision also has dramatic implications for Ryder Cup qualifying.
Some critics have suggested that privately DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley will want to lose this key battle, given it surely brought more attention to their events.
Phil Mickelson, after taking a jab at McIlroy for playing in the Middle East, also believed the tournament was better because of the LIV dynamic.
Reed continued:
A number of players have already teased what the Masters atmosphere will be like, particularly at the past champions' dinner.
Tiger Woods, Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and Bubba Watson have all offered their thoughts.
It has now been confirmed LIV Golf League players will be eligible for all the majors in 2023.
Related: Pieters explains his $10m LIV switch
Reed's thoughts?
Next page: Dustin Johnson burns former LIV team-mate
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