ESPN.com · Jan 25, 2023
Rory McIlroy snubs Patrick Reed, in no mood for reconciliation
As one of the most vocal critics of the LIV Golf breakaway league, Rory McIlroy felt mentally drained at the end of last year and decided to put his clubs away for a few weeks.
"It's been nice," top-ranked McIlroy said, "to try to take a little bit of time away, and try to sort of distance myself from the game of golf."
Now he's back and appears to be as fiery as ever.
McIlroy was on the driving range Tuesday at the Dubai Desert Classic when he was approached by Patrick Reed, one of the high-profile players to have joined the exodus to the Saudi-backed series that changed the face of golf in 2022.
McIlroy said he was busy practicing and didn't feel the need to acknowledge Reed.