Reed-McIlroy bury long-standing feud at DP World India Championship

Things got ugly at the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic when McIlroy appeared to ignore Reed at the practice range. | Photo Credit: Reuters, AP

The tense relationship between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed appeared to ease as the two golfers exchanged pleasantries at the Delhi Golf Club during the DP World India Championship here.

The rift began a few years ago when Reed moved to LIV Golf, while McIlroy remained fiercely loyal to the PGA Tour.

Things got ugly, at least by genteel golf standards, at the 2023 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, when McIlroy appeared to ignore Reed at the practice range. Reed responded by flicking a LIV-branded tee towards McIlroy.

McIlroy later revealed that he was miffed at being served a subpoena by Reed’s lawyer on Christmas Eve, some months earlier.

Speaking after carding a two-under-par first round on Thursday, McIlroy suggested that it was best to leave the past behind. “There are no lawsuits anymore, so that helps (laughs),” he said.

The Northern Irishman, who is currently battling Reed in the Race to Dubai, added that he respected the way his rival had returned to the fold. Earlier this year, Reed quit LIV Golf, which perhaps helped clear the way for the two golf giants to find common ground.

“Patrick has put his head down and let the clubs do the talking. Patrick and I have had some battles over the years, and I respect him as a competitor. The character he has shown in coming back to the PGA Tour has meant a lot to the guys on the Tour. He has done it the right way. That speaks a lot about who he is and how he has evolved,” McIlroy said.