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Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed star in their own take of The Banshees of Inisheran over "teegate"

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed shed light on their not-so-low-key incident on the driving range in Dubai this week.

A lot of conjecture followed TenGolf.com's report that Reed threw a tee at McIlroy after being iced by the Northern Irishman under the harsh desert sun. Since, a video has emerged on social media confirming the incident... and it's hard to watch.

It showed a bemused Reed trundling off alone across the grass, not unlike Colin Farrell's character in the award-winning film, The Banshees of Inisherin. Just like the tragic ballad between Farrell and the brilliant Brendan Gleeson, [mild spolier alert] Reed just learned that the friendship is a touch one-sided.

A rather dejected Reed, who has drawn the ire of many players following his decision to join LIV Golf, spoke to Golf Monthly to give his version of events.

"Because of the relationship I've had with Rory... let's be honest... we've had some great battles at Augusta and other tournaments and our friendship's been pretty good up until obviously joining LIV," said the 2018 Masters champion.
"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. 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. It's unfortunate because we've always had a good relationship, 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."
That last comment really unveils Reed's frustration - and perhaps a touch of insecurity - at his place on the golf landscape right now.
But of course, there's more to the story.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated from Emirates Golf Club ahead of the Dubai Desert Classic, an icy McIlroy admitted that he "didn't feel the need to acknowledge him" but gave what very well could be a valid reason.

"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 like - I didn't feel the need to acknowledge him," confirmed the world number one.
"So 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 throw that tee at him, I'd be expecting a lawsuit.
"I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve. 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.
"I'm living in reality. I don't know where he [Reed] is living. If I were in his shoes, I wouldn't expect a hello or a handshake. I don't see how you can pretend like nothing's happening."

On the face of it, Reed has been frequenting his lawyers' office as much as the driving range (and perhaps even a dark and dingy Irish pub) because he's filed a number of defamation lawsuits against a myriad of parties, including Golf Channel, Golfweek and several golf personalities.

As such, it's unclear which papers McIlroy is referring to, what's written on them and why he's been subpoenaed by Reed's lawyers in the first place.

Tournament organisers in Dubai have seemingly copped on to the tension. While the anarchists among us would have seen it as an opportunity to pair the two together and warm the popcorn, the officials, unfortunately, have taken out a wedge for a layup. Reed and McIlroy tee off at the same time on Thursday, but the former goes down first while the latter will be on the tenth tee.

If this is a sign of what's to come for LIV Golf players and their detractors, there may very well be some actual fingers being thrown about in the near future...

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