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‘No lawsuits anymore': Patrick Reed has earned Rory McIlroy's ‘respect' post-LIV exit

Golf rivals Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed have shifted from legal battles to mutual respect following Reed’s departure from LIV Golf. Reed left the rival league in January 2024, accepted a one-year PGA Tour suspension, and earned his return by finishing in the top 10 of the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai.

His strong performances—including victories in Dubai and Qatar—helped secure his 2027 PGA Tour comeback. McIlroy, who had clashed with Reed over lawsuits and public spats, now acknowledges Reed’s discipline and competitive spirit, calling his approach ‘the right way’ to rebuild credibility.

The pair’s history includes a fiery 2016 Ryder Cup duel, where Reed defeated McIlroy in singles, but tensions escalated when Reed’s legal team served McIlroy with a subpoena in late 2022. McIlroy’s initial coldness—ignoring Reed on the Dubai Desert Classic range in 2023—has given way to praise for Reed’s professionalism and focus on the game.

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