Patrick Reed Extends Olive Branch to Rory McIlroy After 'Tee Gate' Controversy
Three years after their infamous confrontation at the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Patrick Reed is making a surprising effort to reconcile with fellow golf professional Rory McIlroy. The two players, who have never been particularly fond of each other, found themselves at the center of what became known as the 'Tee Gate' incident during their competition at Emirates Golf Club.
The Infamous 'Tee Gate' Incident Explained
The tension between Reed and McIlroy reached its peak when Reed approached McIlroy for a handshake in 2023, only to have the Irish golfer refuse the gesture. This rejection stemmed from McIlroy's irritation at receiving a subpoena from Reed's attorney, Larry Klayman, in December 2022. In what became a symbolic moment of their strained relationship, the 2018 Masters Tournament champion responded by throwing a tee in McIlroy's general direction.
Interestingly, the subpoena wasn't specifically addressed to McIlroy but was part of Reed's broader legal action against the PGA Tour. Reed's attorney had sued the PGA Tour for defamation, alleging the organization conspired with the DP World Tour to prevent players from joining LIV Golf. The judge ultimately dismissed Klayman's claims, but the damage to the Reed-McIlroy relationship had already been done.
Reed's Peaceful Approach and Changing Dynamics
Now, three years later, Reed appears ready to move past the incident. Speaking to Martin Dempster of The Scotsman, Reed humorously suggested, "It was hilarious. I guess I need to grab a handful (of tees) and break the ice. Go up to him like that, and maybe he needs to throw one at me."
The relationship between the two stars has evolved significantly since 2023. While McIlroy's opinion of Reed was particularly negative at the time, influenced both by Reed's move to LIV Golf and the legal serving, their current standings reflect a different dynamic. In the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Reed leads after three rounds, while McIlroy finds himself far from the top of the leaderboard.
Surprising Common Ground Between the Rivals
Recent developments have revealed unexpected alignment between Reed and McIlroy's viewpoints. When Brooks Koepka confirmed his return to the PGA Tour, McIlroy was among the first to welcome him back, despite their historical rivalry. This gesture suggested that Koepka's affiliation with LIV Golf might have been the primary source of their previous tension.
Reed's reaction to Koepka's PGA Tour return was equally interesting. Unlike some of his colleagues, Reed expressed willingness to consider a similar move, stating, "If it's up to me, I'd play everywhere. I'm already playing on three tours [LIV, the DP World Tour, and the Asian Tour], so why not add one more? I always enjoyed my time out there on the PGA Tour. I mean, let's be honest, it's the best tour in the world. Look at what they've done in golf. You know, I could see myself playing there at some point again."
This positive reflection on his PGA Tour experience likely surprised McIlroy, who has been vocal about his commitment to the traditional tour structure. The fact that both players have shown openness to reconciliation and share similar perspectives on certain golf matters suggests that a mending of their relationship might be more plausible than previously thought.
The Path Forward for Golf's Strained Relationship
As the golf world continues to navigate the divisions created by the LIV Golf-PGA Tour rivalry, the potential reconciliation between Reed and McIlroy represents a significant development. Their shared views on multiple aspects of professional golf, combined with Reed's overt peace offering, create an environment where their once-hostile relationship could transform into something more collegial.
The changing landscape of professional golf, with players increasingly competing across multiple tours, may provide the perfect backdrop for these two accomplished golfers to finally put their differences aside and focus on what they share: a passion for the sport at its highest level.
