“Had full respect for Rory,” LIV Golfer Patrick Reed recalls his encounter with Rory Mcllroy at the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic
Patrick Reed has some kind words to spare for Rory Mcllroy ahead of LIV Golf's first event.
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Credits: Golf Digest
Rory Mcllroy and Patrick Reed, who once used to tour with PGA, now are part of two opposite factions of golf. While Mcllroy decided to stay loyal to the PGA, Reed moved to the newly formed Saudi-funded LIV Golf League in 2022. This has created much contention for the player, even landing him banishment from all PGA-related events.
It is rare to see both PGA and LIV players exchanging praises for each other and their performances. Seems like Patrick Reed does recognize talent and has hailed his opponent Rory Mcllroy after the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic. Reed managed to successfully edge Mcllroy in the competition, however, he had much sweeter words for the Irish golfer to spare.
Just a few days before LIV Golf’s opening event at Mayakoba Resort, Mexico, Reed spoke to Golf Digest reminiscing on his encounter with Mcllroy. He says, “It was great battling with Rory,” thus making it clear that there is no bad blood between the two golfers despite the existing schisms and contentions.
Patrick Reed praises his PGA rival Rory Mcllroy after their 2023 Dubai Desert Classic faceoff
Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy both participated in the Dubai Desert Classic held this year in January. While Rory Mcllroy might have won the tournament, Patrick Reed gave him a close competition till the finish. Mcllroy won after finishing birdie-birdie to shoot 4-under and win by a stroke from Reed.
Patrick Reed is disappointed at the media for covering the relationship between him and Rory Mcllroy in a blown-out proportion. He says, “The thing about Dubai is it got blown out proportion, as if it was something horrible between two players when him and I were staying at the same hotel, and both times we saw each other [we said] ‘Hi, how you doing?’ It was normal. Was there probably some gamesmanship? And probably some stuff going on because of a bunch of other stuff? Is there probably some gamesmanship?“
He further adds, “I’ve always had full respect for Rory. I’ve always loved the battles I’ve had against him. I’ve just watched the [2016] Ryder Cup highlights [recently] … they are insane. Same thing at Augusta [during Reed’s 2018 Masters victory] when I was playing with him on the Sunday … there’s nothing better you want as a player trying to win your first major than it being against Rory McIlroy. He was also going for his career grand slam.”
The contention with regards to LIV players playing in DP World Tour will soon be cleared after a ruling is out for the arbitration case filed in London. A prior ruling has paused all sanctions on the LIV Players, allowing them to participate in all DP Tour events. This is what allowed Patrick Reed to participate in the Dubai Classic this year.
Rory Mcllroy believes that such rulings could help in cooling down the tensions between LIV players and others from the rival tours. Furthermore, this could even encourage friendly competition and rivalry, which in turn would be beneficial for golf as a sport.
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Rory McIlroy reveals the fierce battle for golf’s top spot
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