Teegate boils over! Rebel golfer Patrick Reed labels Rory McIlroy ‘an immature little child’
The American LIV Golf rebel labelled McIlroy ‘an immature little child’ and jokingly flicked a tee at reporters as he spoke out at the Dubai Desert Classic
Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Patrick Reed has accused Rory McIlroy of acting like “an immature little child” as the pair’s row continues.
The American golfer and McIlroy clashed ahead of this week’s DP World Tour event in Dubai when the Northern Irishman refused to acknowledge Reed’s greeting.
In response, the 32-year-old threw a tee at McIlroy, who later revealed that he had been subpoenaed by lawyers representing Reed, who joined the Saudi-backed breakaway LIV Golf Series in June of last year.
The 2018 Masters winner has now explained the tee-flicking incident, suggesting that McIlroy’s snub and behaviour had prompted him to respond.
“It was kind of a funny shot back,” Reed said. “[It is] funny how a small little flick has turned into basically me stabbing him and throwing a tee at him... He saw me and he decided not to react.
“It’s unfortunate but it is one of those things – if you’re going to act like an immature little child then you might as well be treated like one.”
McIlroy has emerged as a prominent critic of golfers who have defected to LIV Golf, acting as an unofficial spokesperson for the PGA Tour.
Fronted by Greg Norman, the controversial new series hosted eight tournaments last year and will expand to a 14-event LIV Golf League in 2023.
Reed was among a number of high-profile defectors from the PGA and DP World Tours.
The American has launched legal action against Golf Channel analyst Brandel Chamblee after accusing the former golfer of defamation, with McIlroy among those called to give evidence.
Reed insists, however, that his clashes with McIlroy this week have been overblown.
“Honestly, what happened this week was really nothing but then it turned into the huge ‘teegate’ with assassination on both sides,” Reed added. “You really have to learn how to handle days when there may be a lot of drama and days that are normal.”
McIlroy and Reed are tied for the lead at six-under after the completion of the rain-disrupted opening rounds at the Dubai Desert Classic, with each registering a round of 66.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments