Rory McIlroy reignites beef with Patrick Reed on eve of The Masters
Rory McIlroy explains his "problem" with Patrick Reed ahead of first 2023 major between LIV and PGA Tour players.
It's no secret that Rory McIlroy has been one of, if not the most outspoken PGA Tour player in regards to Greg Norman's LIV Golf, and the Northern Irishman continues to be candid as we head into the first meeting of the two leagues in 2023.
Ahead of The Masters this week, the 33-year-old spoke about the possible tension that awaits the week at Augusta National, including a mention of his awkward run-in with Patrick Reed earlier this year.
McIlroy had said that he was subpoenaed on Christmas Eve by Reed's lawyer, something that did not go down well with him at the turn of the year.
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"My problem with Patrick isn't that he joined LIV," McIlroy clarified, per The Guardian. "It's the other stuff."
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But McIlroy also pointed out that his focus this week is not on LIV Golf, but instead trying to win The Masters.
For McIlroy, a win at Augusta would also mean completing the career grand slam.
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"If Cam and I end up going at it in Augusta, is there an added element for the viewing public? 100%," McIlroy said. "But for Cam and I, it will only be about trying to win The Masters. That's what it comes down to."
He added: "I've been asked about getting paired with any of the LIV guys. We are all in our own heads enough, trying to be prepared and trying to win arguably the biggest tournament in the world that the other stuff pales in comparison to the achievement of winning a Masters."
It's been nearly a decade since McIlroy last won a major, but he did come agonizingly close at all four in 2022, including a runner-up at Augusta this time last year.
