Sign up for our daily newsletter

Latest news, reviews, analysis and opinion, plus unmissable deals for bunkered subscriptions, events, and our commercial partners.

Patrick Reed is claiming a ‘small victory’ in his spat with Rory McIlroy after bumping into the world No.1 in their Dubai hotel.

The pair have been at the centre of controversy all week, stemming from allegations that Reed threw a tee at McIlroy after being blanked when he went to shake his hand during a practice round.

McIlroy took exception to Reed’s attempts to engage him in conversation after hit with a subpoena by a lawyer who has been representing the American on Christmas Eve.

• Former caddie hits at Anthony Kim’s return

• Sir Nick Faldo blasts LIV and Greg Norman

That summons is not thought to be in relation to any of Reed’s current active lawsuits but McIlroy was unmoved, saying: “If I were in his shoes, I wouldn’t expect a hello or a handshake. You can’t pretend like nothing’s happening.”

That prompted Reed to accuse the Irishman of behaving like an “immature little child”.

To the delight of golf fans, who are hoping to see the duo paired together over the weekend, both started strongly in Dubai and shared the lead after the weather-delayed first round.

As far as Reed is concerned, he currently holds all the bragging rights, after an ostensibly friendly encounter with McIlroy at their hotel on Thursday.

“So, I get myself ready, and then a while later, I’m standing out in front of the hotel with my caddy and my coach, and we’re saying, ‘Where’s the car?’” Reed told Irish Golfer.

• BBC ‘set to cut remaining ties’ with The Masters

• Gareth Bale to make PGA Tour debut next week

“It’s now about tenminutes late, and the next thing you know, Rory gets out of his courtesy car, as he’s also staying at the same hotel, and he says, ‘Hey, just to let you know, we’re not playing, as they’ve suspended the start of play.’ He’s also saying, ‘We’re off the golf course, buddy. We’re off the golf course,’

“So, I say, ‘OK, thanks for that,’ and head back to my room and go back to bed. I’m not sure if Rory was acknowledging me, my coach, my caddy or all three of us, but whatever, I’ll take it as a small victory.”


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses