Rory McIlroy takes swipe at Patrick Reed with telling ‘no lawsuits’ remark after bitter feud

Rory McIlroy’s relationship with Patrick Reed has come a long way since the days of ignored handshakes, legal disputes and a flying tee.

Speaking during last week’s DP World India Championship, McIlroy offered a surprisingly complimentary assessment of his former rival, before delivering a pointed punchline that hinted at how much their relationship has changed.

“There are no lawsuits anymore, so that helps,” McIlroy joked with Mirror Sport.

It was a brief remark, but one with plenty of history behind it. 

The pair once appeared to enjoy a good relationship after their memorable singles battle at the 2016 Ryder Cup, where Reed defeated McIlroy 1up en route to a dominant six-point American triumph at Hazeltine. 

McIlroy even defended the American on occasions when Reed found himself at the centre of controversy. 

However, golf’s civil war eventually drove a wedge between them, with tensions reaching boiling point in late 2022 and early 2023.

The flashpoint came at the Dubai Desert Classic in January 2023, when Reed approached McIlroy on the driving range to shake his hand.

The Northern Irishman ignored him, prompting Reed to flick a tee in his direction.

McIlroy later explained why he had refused to acknowledge his rival, revealing that Reed’s lawyer, Larry Klayman, had served him with a subpoena on Christmas Eve.

The subpoena related to Klayman’s defamation lawsuit against the PGA Tour, rather than one of Reed’s personal lawsuits, although the wider legal battles surrounding LIV Golf had already created considerable tension between the players.

“I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve,” McIlroy said at the time. 

“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.”

He added: “If I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t expect a hello or a handshake.”

Against that backdrop, McIlroy’s latest comments represent a notable change in tone.

The Northern Irishman praised Reed for putting his head down, concentrating on his golf and taking the route he believes is right for his career after leaving LIV Golf at the beginning of 2026.

“I think the way Patrick has conducted himself this year, but also just how this is the route that he’s taken, and he’s put his head down, and he’s played the golf, and he’s let his clubs do the talking,” McIlroy said.

“Patrick and I have had some really good battles over the years, and I respect him as a competitor, but I think it’s meant a lot to this tour that he’s done it the way he’s done it, and I think to his peers as well.”

McIlroy’s praise does not mean the pair have suddenly become close friends again. 

But the combination of genuine respect and a joke about their legal history suggests the animosity may finally be easing.

Reed will hope that changing perceptions can also help his bid to make the United States Ryder Cup team at Adare Manor in 2027. 

Captain Jim Furyk has already indicated that he is willing to put their own differences aside, telling reporters: “If Patrick Reed is one of those, that’s great.”

Furyk added that he was prepared to have a conversation with Reed, whose criticism of the captain’s decision to split up his successful partnership with Jordan Spieth at the 2018 Ryder Cup created a rift between them.

Reed still has to produce the golf required to earn selection, but McIlroy’s comments suggest his past disagreements need not define every future opportunity.

McIlroy falls behind in search of Race to Dubai history

McIlroy’s comments came after a disappointing week on the course, with the six-time major champion finishing tied 42nd at the DP World India Championship. 

Reed claimed a share of 23rd, while Eugenio Chacarra enjoyed a much more memorable week by securing his third title of the season.

The Spaniard’s victory propelled him above both players in the Race to Dubai standings. 

Chacarra has now accumulated more than 4,000 points and holds an advantage of approximately 600 over Reed in second, with McIlroy a further 300 points behind the American in third.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a superb campaign and has already secured his PGA Tour card for 2027, capping a breakthrough season with another significant achievement.

Reed and Chacarra are both chasing their first Race to Dubai title, while McIlroy is aiming to match Colin Montgomerie’s record haul of eight Harry Vardon Trophies and claim a fifth consecutive season-ending crown.

With just three events remaining, the battle is heading towards a decisive conclusion, with the final two tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai next month offering substantial points.

McIlroy remains firmly in contention, but his finish in India has given Reed and Chacarra an opportunity to apply further pressure.

The pair may be moving towards a more cordial relationship off the course, but there is still plenty at stake when it comes to the Race to Dubai — and McIlroy will be determined to ensure his rivals do not get the better of him in the season-long race, too.