Patrick Reed has presented his side of the story that has the golf world abuzz declaring he did not throw a golf tee at World No. 1 Rory McIlroy.

It was reported widely by websites and newspapers around the globe, and following a story written in Spanish on the Ten Golf website that Masters champion Reed hurled a tee in disgust after the Texan was blanked by McIlroy while each were on the Emirates Club practice range.

In speaking with them this morning with Ten Golf’s Alejandro Rodrigeuz he explained what they saw yesterday on the practice range here at the Emirates Golf Club.

And what they witnessed is not what has captured the attention of news editors with the story of Reed throwing a golf tee at McIlroy making the New York Post and so many other newspapers.

Firstly, McIlroy had been speaking with TaylorMade representative and Reed saying that he also intended to speak to the rep about a 3-wood he has been using.

“I was testing one of the new TaylorMade 3-woods last week in Abu Dhabi and I wanted to relay to the rep what I felt using the club,” said Reed.

“And because I was over there near Rory, and the fact that he and I have had so many battles on the golf course over the years, I thought I would he and Harry (Diamond – McIlroy’s caddy) a Happy New Year.

“Harry was reciprocal in also wishing me a Happy New Year and then I wanted to also wish the same to Rory.

“He was bending down by the side of his bag looking at his Trackman but then in wishing him a Happy New Year, he didn’t saying anything. So, I felt okay then.  I felt the fact he didn’t reply to me was all about of me being LIV.

“I then reacted by tossing down a tee, one of my Four Aces tees, down beside us and that was it.

“So, it is nothing like what is being reported in the media. I threw the tee down beside me. I know why he was trying to ignore me and all the other LIV golfers is because of LIV

“If I was still a PGA Tour member of a member of any other Tour he would have said ‘Hello’.  So, it is the way Rory has decided to act.”

McIlroy responded to the incident also following his participation in the Pro-Am ahead of the DP World Tour event he’s won twice in his career.

“I didn’t see him as was down by my bag and he came up to me, and I was busy working and sort of doing my practise, and I didn’t really feel like — I didn’t feel the need to acknowledge him,” said McIlroy.

“So I didn’t see a tee coming my direction at all, but apparently that’s what happened. And if roles were reversed and I’d have of thrown that tee at him, I’d be expecting him a lawsuit.

“In my — from my recollection, that was it. I didn’t see a tee. I didn’t feel a tee. Obviously, someone else saw that. But it’s definitely a storm in a teacup. Obviously nothing — I can’t believe it’s actually turned into a story. Yeah, it’s nothing”.

Yes, maybe a storm in a teacup but with McIlroy being labelled by some as ‘disrespectful’ in not facing Reed, and with Reed saying he was also seeking to ‘mend bridges’ in their relationship.

McIlroy was asked that question by this journalist and for a first time in my career, a player just stared blank in reply and not saying a word.

Reed was quizzed if he felt McIlroy’s reaction was due to the lawsuit he issued at Christmas against McIlroy. However, the lawsuit was issued by Reed’s law firm, Klayman’s Law Group, has threatened CNN with a $450m defamation lawsuit if it doesn’t issue a public apology to the 2018 Masters champion.

The lawsuit is issued to CNN’s Jake Tapper and Bob Costas, who are alleged to have made defamatory comments towards Reed in a broadcast.

“The lawsuit my law firm is a completely different issue and has nothing to do with Rory”, said Reed.