PGA Tour Players React To ‘Tee-Gate’ Between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed

Social media went ablaze as the Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed drama intensified. On Wednesday, both players spoke out regarding their driving range interaction in Dubai—which fans are now calling “Tee-Gate”—even prompting PGA Tour players to weigh in on the situation.

The gist of the drama is as follows: McIlroy, a PGA Tour loyalist, ignored Reed, a LIV Golf member, when he tried to approach him on the practice range. Reed, upset at McIlroy for disregarding his attempt to say hello, then tossed a golf tee in McIlroy’s direction.

McIlroy explained to reporters that he “didn’t feel the need to acknowledge” Reed, because Reed’s lawyer, Larry Klayman, served McIlroy a subpoena on Christmas Eve.

Reed claimed the interaction was playful, and clarified that the subpoena had “nothing to do with [him]—the lawsuit in question is between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Nonetheless, the former Masters champion called McIlroy an “immature little child,” for his actions on the range.

Apparent footage of the Rory Reed tee 'throwing' incident. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/r35kjE6hO8
— Golf Tips Checker (@GolfTipsChecker) January 25, 2023

Reactions to the incident were all over social media on Wednesday, but PGA Tour players themselves provided the most entertaining commentary.

Justin Thomas led the way, commenting on Golf Digest’s Instagram post: “Hope Rory and Pat gonna be ok to play after this terrible dangerous incident...what a tragedy!!”

Max Homa—an active participant in the golf Twitter space—jumped in as well.

Had a nice time on the course today. 5 birdies, 1 bogey, no subpoenas. Very successful start to the week!
— max homa (@Maxhoma) January 26, 2023

Beneath Homa’s tweet, Collin Morikawa responded with another clever remark about “Tee-Gate.”

Thank u for sparing me
— max homa (@Maxhoma) January 26, 2023

While Homa and Morikawa’s back-and-forth created the most buzz, there were plenty more reactions about the incident from professional golfers.

Up in the middle of the night with my newborn and thinking about all the things I have to protect him from as he grows up. I’ll add flying tees to the list. #flick #duck
— Joel Dahmen (@Joel_Dahmen) January 26, 2023

Y’all thought high ball speed was impressive? Wait till you see this flick speed. Head on a swivel to the next person that asks me for a tee #cominginhot
— J.T. Poston (@JT_ThePostman) January 25, 2023

Whats wrong with not saying hello back?
— Byeong Hun An (@ByeongHunAn) January 25, 2023

Am I missing something with this Patrick Reed @McIlroyRory drama? If a dude subpoenaed me on Xmas Eve when I’m trying to be with my kids, he’s dead to me. Not trying to shake your hand. You’ve left the tour and are suing everyone. Take your money and get the F out.
— Steve Wheatcroft (@wheatiePGA) January 25, 2023