If you thought the Brooks–Bryson saga was the most overblown saga in the history of golf, Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed’s #TeeGate would like a word.
It all started with a vague report that stated Reed had apparently thrown a tee in McIlroy’s direction in disgust after McIlroy had failed to acknowledge Reed’s presence on the range at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Reed shook hands with McIlroy’s caddie, Harry Diamond, and wished him a Happy New Year. When he attempted to do the same to McIlroy, who was squatted down and looking at the ground as he prepared to practice, McIlroy didn’t even offer a glance. That’s when Reed committed the ‘disgusting act’ of throwing a tee the Northern Irishman. Video [above] later emerged and it’s just as, “Wait, that’s it?” as you’d expect.
McIlroy neglecting the former Masters champ entirely made a lot more sense when he revealed that, on Christmas Eve, he received a subpoena from Reed summoning him to appear as a witness in the defamation suit Reed brought against Brandel Chamblee, Golf Channel and the PGA Tour. Reed more or less ruining McIlroy’s holiday was clearly still at the front of McIlroy’s mind on the range.Â
Naturally, this was the key topic of discussion during McIlroy’s press conference in Dubai, where he was asked by one rambling reporter if he could see himself ever “mending bridges” with Reed. McIlroy’s facial expression in response was absolutely perfect:
Didn’t even dignify it with an actual response. And we know Rory likes to give thoughtful, an often lenghty, responses to every question. For him to straight up refuse is truly something.
The only thing better than McIlroy’s facial expression? The transcript of said facial expression. This person deserves a pay rise:
Again, perfect. No notes.
