As one of the most vocal critics in the LIV Golf breakaway club league, Rory McIlroyFeeling mentally exhausted at the end last year, he decided to put his clubs aside for a few more weeks.
McIlroy, a top-ranked player, said that it was nice to take a bit of time away and try to sort of distance myself from the game of golf.
Now he is back and seems to be as fiery than ever.
McIlroy was driving at the Dubai Desert Classic on Tuesday when he received an approach from Patrick Reed, one of the most well-known players to have joined in the Saudi-backed exodus that changed the face and future of golf in 2022.
McIlroy stated that he was too busy practicing and didn’t feel the need acknowledge Reed.
McIlroy stated Wednesday that Patrick came up to say hello and that he didnt really want to,
McIlroy was questioned about reports that McIlroy threw a shirt at him. The four-time major winner stated that he didnt feel or see anything.
McIlroy explained, But apparently thats exactly what happened. And if the roles were reversed, and Id have thrown the tee at his face, Id be expecting to see him, McIlroy said. [to file] a lawsuit.
McIlroy jinked at McIlroy by claiming he was served a subpoena from Reeds lawyers on Christmas Eve. He didnt give any details about the subpoena but he did not provide any. Reed refiled a lawsuit against Reed for defamation last month.
McIlroy is clearly not in mood to reconcile in Dubai.
McIlroy stated that he was trying to have a good time with his family, but if someone shows up at your door and delivers it, McIlroy isnt going to take it well.
So again, hes living in reality. I dont know where. If I was in his shoes, I wouldn’t expect a hello and a handshake.
Reed later Wednesday said that he shaken McIlroys assistant Harry Diamonds hand, and did flick McIlroy a tee.
Reed stated that Reed was just looking down at Randy and was playing with his Trackman. Reed said Reed didnt mind. We all knew exactly where it came from, being part of LIV. My tees belong to Team [4]I gave Aces LIV a pair of tees and he flipped me one. It was a funny shot back. Its funny how one small flick turned into me tying a tee and stabbing him.
He saw me, but he didnt react. We have always had a good relationship. … But its one that you have to remember. If youre going act like a little immature child, then you should be treated as one.
McIlroy was later quizzed on whether it would be beneficial to fix a relationship with another LIV rebel. Sergio GarciaIf it would benefit Europes cause before this years Ryder Cup.
The blunt answer of the Northern Irishman was No,
McIlroys role as an anti-LIV spokesperson did not stop him from returning at the top of the global rankings at the close of last year.
His most recent tournament was the World Tour Championship in Dubai in November.
McIlroy stated that McIlroys break allowed him to recharge, reset and try 2023 with renewed optimism. He is back in the Middle East now with some unfinished business.
In Dubai Desert Classic, last yearMcIlroy was in a tie for the lead after 71 holes, but McIlroy bogeyed the par-5 No. After hitting his second shot into water in front of green, McIlroy finished at 18 on Sunday. He finished a shot behind Viktor HovlandAnd Richard BlandHovland won the playoff.
McIlroy stated that it wasnt the way he wanted to end it off. But youll be glad to know that I continued playing from that week, and had a great golf year.
McIlroy has been a two-time champion of the event — in 2009, when he was 19 years old, and in 2015 — and he loves coming to this part.
He said, Ive been coming to this place for a long period of time, 17 years. Ive found a level of comfort here. Its a great place to start my year. I have many friends. This is where I called home for four-years.
This report was based on information from The Associated Press.