Rory McIlroy responds to Patrick Reed allegedly throwing a tee at him

Rory McIlroy made fun of Patrick Reed’s eagerness to file lawsuits in response to reports the American allegedly threw a tee at him in disgust after McIlroy ignored him on the range at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Ten Golf reported that Reed stood near McIlroy for a few seconds with the intention of greeting him but the four-time Major champion didn’t acknowledge the LIV Golf defector.  After this happened Reed is said to have “saluted” McIlroy before walking away with his hand in his pocket. Reed was then described as throwing a tee in disgust in the direction of McIlroy, according to the report.

McIlroy responded to the reports at today’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic press conference, where he revealed he received a subpoena from Reed on Christmas Eve.

Check out the exchange with reporters below:

Q. There’s been suggestions that Patrick Reed wasn’t very happy yesterday that you declined to acknowledge his attempt to shake your hand. Can you tell us exactly what happened?

RORY MCILROY: I didn’t see it. 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 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 have thrown that tee at him, I’d be expecting him a lawsuit.

Q. You didn’t duck then, Rory?

RORY MCILROY: I didn’t duck?

Q. You didn’t feel the feed to duck?

RORY MCILROY: I didn’t see, it, no. My back was turned to him.

Q. Just without moving the point, a guy who has landed you with a subpoena, do you think he’s probably not entitled to expect you to greet him with open arms?

RORY McILROY: I mean, exactly, right. I mean, I got a subpoena on Christmas Eve. I mean, you can’t pretend like nothing’s happening, right. I think that’s the thing. Like we are living in reality here.

Q. Sorry to take this subject with Patrick on the range yesterday a bit further, but Patrick Reed said to you, he shook hands with Harry, wishing him a happy new year, put his hand out to wish you a happy new year, in a goal, sort of approach to try and mend bridges, there was no tee throwing. He just turned his back, had a tee from his pocket and threw it down in disgust, as probably anyone would do when you approach someone and don’t get an answer. Can you see yourself maybe one day mending those bridges with Patrick — not at the moment, but he said he was trying to make an effort.

RORY McILROY: (Incredulous facial expression.)

Reed and McIlroy final day pairing, anyone?

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