Video Emerges Of Tense McIlroy And Reed Driving Range Exchange
The footage shows Rory McIlroy blanking Patrick Reed, followed by the American’s response


The build-up to the Dubai Desert Classic has resulted in tension between PGA Tour stalwart Rory McIlroy and LIV Golf player Patrick Reed after McIlroy declined to acknowledge a handshake from the American, resulting in Reed reportedly tossing a tee in his direction.
Both players have addressed the alleged incident, with McIlroy playing it down as a storm in a teacup and Reed describing McIlroy as acting like "an immature little child".
Now, video has emerged of the tense moment. The footage shows Reed approaching McIlroy’s caddie Harry Diamond and patting him on the back before heading towards McIlroy and appearing to offer a handshake. However, after McIlroy fails to respond, Reed chooses to walk away before seemingly tossing a tee in his direction.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
Apparent footage of the Rory Reed tee 'throwing' incident. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/r35kjE6hO8January 25, 2023
Speaking to the press about the incident, McIlroy expressed surprise that it had become a story at all, saying: “Patrick came up to say hello and I didn't really want him to. From my recollection, that was it. I didn't see a tee. I didn't feel a tee. Obviously someone else saw that. But it's definitely a storm in a teacup. Obviously nothing - I can't believe it's actually turned into a story. Yeah, it's nothing.”
However, he then revealed the reason for blanking Reed – a Christmas Eve subpoena from Reed's law firm Klayman Law Group at his house amid the ongoing PGA Tour vs LIV court case. He said: “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.”
Reed has told the Mail's Chief Sports Feature Writer Riath Al-Samarrai the subpoena was "nothing to do with me," as it's related to the wider PGA Tour vs LIV case, where Klayman Law Group is acting on behalf of LIV Golf, and not his $820m defamation case against the likes of Brandel Chamblee, the Golf Channel and others.
He went on to address the incident with McIlroy, saying: "I walked over there and wished Harry (Diamond, McIlroy’s caddie) Happy New Year and then Rory because it is the first time I have seen them. Harry shook my hand and Rory just looked down there and was messing with his Trackman and kind of decided to ignore us. We all know where it came from, being part of LIV.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
"Since my tees are Team Aces LIV tees I flicked him one. It was kind of a funny shot back. 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. 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."
Reed and McIlroy’s rivalry goes back a long way – albeit largely on the course. Perhaps most memorably, they were involved in a classic Ryder Cup singles match in 2016, with the pair each playing incredible golf before Reed eventually emerged the victor.
Despite that rivalry now extending to an off-course issue, Reed told the Mail he’d love to play alongside McIlroy, but admitted he may well receive a similar response from the Northern Irishman if it happened. He said: “That would be great. I will tell you this much, there probably won't be much talking. Even if I said hello on the first he won't say anything. I can just be respectful and as much as a gentleman as I can be. His choice if he doesn't respond."
Given McIlroy’s reaction – or lack of – to Reed’s apparent attempt to build bridges with him, it’s probably wise he’s not getting his hopes up of a friendly welcome once the real action begins.
Mike has over 25 years of experience in journalism, including writing on a range of sports throughout that time, such as golf, football and cricket. Now a freelance staff writer for Golf Monthly, he is dedicated to covering the game's most newsworthy stories.
He has written hundreds of articles on the game, from features offering insights into how members of the public can play some of the world's most revered courses, to breaking news stories affecting everything from the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to developmental Tours and the amateur game.
Mike grew up in East Yorkshire and began his career in journalism in 1997. He then moved to London in 2003 as his career flourished, and nowadays resides in New Brunswick, Canada, where he and his wife raise their young family less than a mile from his local course.
Kevin Cook’s acclaimed 2007 biography, Tommy’s Honour, about golf’s founding father and son, remains one of his all-time favourite sports books.
-
Valspar Championship Tee Times - Round Three
Jacob Bridgeman leads a number of big names going into the weekend of the Valspar Championship, with the American searching for a maiden PGA Tour title
By Matt Cradock Published
-
'They Can Feel Free To Leave Some Waffle House Gift Cards' - Neal Shipley Makes '12 New Friends' As Final Hole Bogey Moves Valspar Championship Cutline
A late bogey from Shipley meant the cutline moved to two-over-par, thus allowing 12 MORE players to make it into the weekend at the Copperhead Course
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rory McIlroy’s Caddie Harry Diamond May Have Earned Almost $900,000 In Bonus Money Already This Year (More Than The PGA Tour Average) After World No.2's Strong Start
McIlroy has picked up two wins so far in 2025 and could well have shared a decent portion of his winnings with long-time assistant, Diamond
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'I Can't See Why Anybody Wouldn't Want To Do This' - Padraig Harrington Outlines Reasons Rory McIlroy Will 'Likely' Change His Damning Verdict On Playing Senior Golf
After Rory McIlroy recently said he would never play senior tour golf, Padraig Harrington explained why he thinks the World No.2 could well change his mind
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Impressive Players Championship TV Ratings Show Rory McIlroy Is Golf's Needle Mover
McIlroy's victory at The Players Championship drew an increase in viewership over 2024, with his recent victories on the PGA Tour showing that he could well be the new needle mover
By Matt Cradock Published
-
Rory McIlroy Adds New Event To Pre-Masters Schedule
McIlroy will make his debut in the Houston Open next week, the World No.2 has confirmed
By Elliott Heath Published
-
Rory McIlroy Reunited With Old Clubs After Near $1000 Uber Ride
The four-time Major winner switched back to his old clubs at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, with the Uber trip to get them costing a near $1000
By Matt Cradock Published
-
College Golfer Apologizes After Being Removed From TPC Sawgrass For Heckling Rory McIlroy
University of Texas golfer, Luke Potter made a comment to McIlroy during Tuesday's practice round which caused the World No.2 to take his phone
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
'Something Went Terribly Wrong If I Have To Compete At 50' - Rory McIlroy Categorically Rules Out Playing Senior Tour Golf
Asked about his long-term plans, the Northern Irishman insisted he would not be visiting the Champions Tour once he's retired from pro golf
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Rory McIlroy Reveals Multiple Equipment Changes At Arnold Palmer Invitational
The Northern Irishman has made a number of tweaks to his gear setup ahead of this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational
By Jonny Leighfield Published