Rory McIlroy. David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Rory McIlroy says Patrick Reed isn't 'living in reality'

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Jan 25, 2023 1:53 PM ET

"Tee Gate" shouldn't have been a thing trending on sports social media this week. But here we are, the day before the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic kicks off and the main headline is that Patrick Reed chucked a tee at Rory McIlroy and that the LIV Golfer is trying to sue McIlroy and Tiger Woods.

It's hard to blame McIlroy for his reaction, who said bluntly this week he isn't sure what plain Reed is living on.

"I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve," McIlroy said, via CBS Sports. "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."

Welcome to Tee Gate.

Rory McIlroy couldn’t be bothered after Patrick Reed subpoenaed him last month (don’t blame Rory)

And then PReed tossed a tee in his direction like a 12 year old after mom said no more range balls. pic.twitter.com/NLa3lFamX0
— Amanda Rose (@AmandaGolf59) January 25, 2023

It's not a particularly good look for Reed, who has sort of made suing people "his thing" over the last year. In August 2022, the San Antonio native filed a $750 million defamation lawsuit against Golf Channel and some of its employees claiming the company was out to destroy his reputation when he defected from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf. The suit was withdrawn, refiled with more defendants on it, and later dismissed in a Florida court in November.

Reed is now directing his fury at McIlroy, Woods and Davis Love III, saying the trio "are co-conspirators in the PGA Tour’s antitrust scheme to destroy the LIV Golf League," per Golf Digest. It's no wonder McIlroy wasn't interested in talking to Reed on Tuesday.

"If roles were reversed and I'd have thrown that tee at him, I'd be expecting a lawsuit," McIlroy said.

Perhaps it's best if Reed doesn't try shaking any more hands of golfers he is actively trying to sue. If tees are already getting thrown, who knows what else will get chucked in the air the next time.

The 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic is set to tee off on Thursday.

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