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Rory McIlroy says he would 'expect a lawsuit' if he threw a golf tee back at Patrick Reed as tensions grow in Dubai
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Published 25/01/2023 at 14:45 GMT
Tensions are simmering in Dubai after Rory McIlroy blanked LIV Golf defector Patrick Reed and had a golf tee thrown at him by the American. McIlroy said he didn't notice the tee, but would 'expect a lawsuit' from Reed if he had done the same thing after he received court papers from the golfer on Christmas Eve. The Dubai Desert Classic runs from 25 to 29 January.
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Rory McIlroy says he didn’t see Patrick Reed flicking a golf tee at him after he ignored the American in Dubai, and joked that he would ‘expect a lawsuit’ if he had thrown one back.
The world No.1 revealed he was served court papers by Reed on Christmas Eve after reports that the golfer named McIlroy as a “co-conspirator” in a class action taken against the PGA Tour.
Ahead of this week’s Hero Dubai Desert Classic, Reed approached McIlroy but the LIV Golf defector was given the cold shoulder and reportedly tossed a golf tee at the Northern Irishman.
“I didn't see it,” McIlroy said.
“I was down by my bag, and he came up to me, and I was busy working and sort of doing my practice, and I didn't really feel the need to acknowledge him.
“I didn't see a tee coming my direction at all, but apparently, that's what happened. And if roles were reversed and I'd have of thrown that tee at him, I'd be expecting a lawsuit from him.”
McIlroy was pressed for more details about the encounter and pointed out that he wasn’t in a friendly mood due to the ongoing legal case.
“I mean, I got a subpoena on Christmas Eve. I mean, you can't pretend like nothing's happening, right,” he said.
“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.”
He added: “I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve. 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.”
The Dubai Desert Classic takes place from 25-29 January.
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