McIlroy on Reed spat: "I'm living in reality, I don't know where he's living!"

Rory McIlroy has given his version of events after LIV Golf player Patrick Reed lobbed a golf tee at the Northern Irishman at Emirates GC.

Ben Smith's picture
Wed, 25 Jan 2023
McIlroy on Reed spat: "I'm living in reality, I don't know where he's living!"

Rory McIlroy says "you can't pretend like nothing's happening" as he addressed his spat with LIV Golfer Patrick Reed

McIlroy, 33, snubbed the American on the range at Emirates GC before the Hero Dubai Desert Classic on the DP World Tour

And now the Northern Irishman has insisted that he "didn't feel the need" to acknowledge the former Masters champion. 

Related: Patrick Reed labels Rory McIlroy "immature little child"

McIlroy even went as far as saying that if the roles were reversed and he had thrown a tee he would be expecting a lawsuit. 

It won't have escaped your attention that Reed is taking legal action against the PGA Tour and DP World Tour. 

Reed is also suing several members of the golf media, alleging defamation. 

McIlroy told reporters that he received a subpoena from Reed's attorney Larry Klayman on Christmas Eve.

Speaking about his exchange with Reed, McIlroy told the media he didn't even see the tee being thrown. 

McIlroy described the exchange as a "storm in a teacup" and he was surprised that it turned into a story. 

He continued: 

"I was down by my bag and he came up to me, and I was busy working and sort of doing my practise, and I didn't really feel like -- I didn't feel the need to acknowledge him.
"So I didn't see a tee coming my direction at all, but apparently that's what happened. And if roles were reversed and I'd have of thrown that tee at him, I'd be expecting him a lawsuit."

Related: English pro found McIlroy's spat with Reed hilarious

McIlroy said he didn't duck and his back was turned to Reed. 

He continued: 

"Like that's -- I mean, I got a subpoena on Christmas Eve. I mean, I don't see your -- like you can't pretend like nothing's happening, right.
"I think that's the thing. Like why -- we are living in reality here. He's -- no, so..."

McIlroy was asked if he could mend bridges with Reed and he didn't respond. 

Tiger Woods has also been hit with subpoena requests by Reed's attorney. Woods has been accused of deliberately ducking requests

McIlroy added: 

"Yeah, I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve. 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.
"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."

Related: McIlroy tests out Vokey wedges in Dubai

McIlroy also confirmed there was "no way" he could make amends with another LIV player in Sergio Garcia

Garcia reportedly sent McIlroy text messages telling the four-time major champion to "shut up" about LIV Golf.

McIlroy previously explained how he responded with a few daggers of his own. 

Next page: LIV players "aren't bad people", says DP World Tour pro