Tranlate this title Rory McIlroy makes unexpected Patrick Reed comment after years of tension in spanish

Rory McIlroy has admitted that his relationship with Patrick Reed has improved a lot, with the Northern Irish golfer praising his former rival for the way he has handled his return to the traditional golf tours.

The six-time major champion and Reed have had a difficult relationship over the last few years. Their problems became quite public after the American decided to join LIV Golf in 2022.

However, the situation between the two players now looks different, and McIlroy appears to have changed his opinion about the former Masters champion.

Speaking during the DP World India Championship, the 37-year-old was asked about his relationship with Reed and whether things had improved between them.

«There’s no lawsuits anymore, so that helps,» McIlroy joked.

The former world No. 1 then praised the American for his decision to compete on the DP World Tour and earn his way back to the PGA Tour.

«I think the way Patrick has conducted himself this year, but also just how this is the route that he’s taken, and he’s put his head down, and he’s played the golf, and he’s let his clubs do the talking,» McIlroy said.

«Patrick and I have had some really good battles over the years, and I respect him as a competitor, but I think it’s meant a lot to this tour that he’s done it the way he’s done it, and I think to his peers as well.»

Reed left LIV Golf in January and announced his intention to return to the PGA Tour for the 2027 season.

The 36-year-old American has enjoyed a successful year on the DP World Tour, winning the Dubai Desert Classic in January and the Qatar Masters in February.

He also finished second at the Bahrain Championship and has spent many months leading the Race to Dubai standings.

McIlroy, meanwhile, is trying to win his eighth Race to Dubai title, which would equal Colin Montgomerie’s record.

The Northern Irishman currently has seven titles in the season-long competition, including four consecutive triumphs from 2022 to 2025.

Reed speaks about his relationship with McIlroy

Interestingly, Reed also spoke about his relationship with McIlroy during this week’s tournament in India.

The American admitted that his decision to join LIV Golf had affected how some players viewed him.

«I feel like the relationship’s getting better. It’s just kind of one of those things. I mean, with me joining LIV, it rubbed some people the wrong way, right?» Reed said.

The former Masters winner claimed that playing well on the DP World Tour and accepting the consequences of his previous decision had helped him regain the respect of some players.

«I feel like it’s done that with Rory. And, you know, it’s one of those things that the more I’m around them, the more we spend time with them, obviously, we’ll build that relationship back up.»

Reed also stressed that he would be delighted to compete against McIlroy more frequently in the coming years.

The two golfers have known each other for a long time and have been involved in several interesting battles.

One of their most memorable matches happened at the 2016 Ryder Cup, when Reed defeated the Northern Irishman in their singles match at Hazeltine.

However, their relationship became much worse following the creation of LIV Golf.

In January 2023, the American approached McIlroy at the Dubai Desert Classic practice range and attempted to greet him.

McIlroy ignored Reed, who then threw a LIV Golf tee in his direction.

The Northern Irishman later explained that he had been served with a subpoena by Reed’s lawyer on Christmas Eve in connection with a legal case involving the PGA Tour.

«I was subpoenaed by his lawyer on Christmas Eve,» McIlroy said at the time.

«So of course, trying to have a nice time with my family and someone shows up on your doorstep and delivers that, you’re not going to take that well.»

Reed responded by calling the Northern Irishman an «immature little child.»

Their disagreement attracted a lot of attention because both golfers had already been involved in heated moments during previous tournaments.

However, the situation surrounding LIV Golf has changed a lot during 2026.

Several golfers have decided to leave the Saudi-backed circuit, while others are considering their future following financial problems affecting the league.

Earlier this month, McIlroy said that he would welcome former LIV players back to the traditional tours.

The six-time major champion believes their return could also be useful for the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, although decisions about reinstatement must take the interests of existing members into account.

Reed has already announced his plans to return as a PGA Tour member in 2027. The American can also improve his playing status through his results on the DP World Tour.

Meanwhile, the two golfers are competing at the DP World India Championship at Delhi Golf Club this week.

Neither has found it easy to produce his best golf, while Eugenio Chacarra has also become an important player in the Race to Dubai battle.

With the season approaching its final tournaments, Reed and McIlroy will have more opportunities to compete against each other, including at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai in November.