Reed, who claims to don’t have anything to do with that specific authorized wrangle, then tried to be humorous, tossing a LIV-branded tee on the toes of McIlroy, however the four-time main winner was oblivious. Cue headlines throughout the globe, regardless of the video of the supposed “teethrowing” spotlight displaying how ludicrously innocuous the incident occurred to be.
On Wednesday, there was the predictable too-ing and fro-ing throughout the media, as McIlroy requested “why ought to I acknowledge him?” and Reed replied with just a few ill-advised insults. Inevitably, there was then nice anticipation to see how the pair would cope within the highlight within the first spherical of this $9m occasion, however the desert downpour ensured there have been no spectators permitted on the course and that play didn’t start till 1.15pm.
Within the occasion the duo carried out admirably, though with Reed – or “Captain America” as he christened himself within the Ryder Cup – it has grow to be one thing of a behavior to supply when his again is towards the wall.
Reed went by way of the 15 holes he managed earlier than the hooter sounded in four-under, one behind pacesetter Thomas Pieters (the Belgian who additionally has three holes remaining) and two forward of McIlroy, who has a four-footer for birdie to return to on Friday morning on the par-three seventh, his third from final gap.
Beginning on the similar time, however off the primary tee and tenth tee respectively, the paths of McIlroy and Reed crossed on the shared inexperienced between the ninth and 18th. They had been nearly inside tee-throwing distance.
“Yeah, I noticed Rory however it was a case of our group and their group one another so we didn’t play on the similar trip of respect. There was no drawback. I’ve at all times simply been the kind of man who can compartmentalise loads of issues and concentrate on my job.”
However did McIlroy take motivation from that juxtaposition in entrance of the grandstands? Nicely, he was one-over on the time on his first outing of the 12 months and proceeded to birdie three of the subsequent 4. Perhaps, this was the form of summons he required.
