As we move ahead with the 2025 schedule, many golfers who were away from the course will finally be making an appearance. With the next event of the calendar i.e., the Dubai Desert Classic 2025, fan-favorite Rory McIlroy will be teeing off his first event of the 2025 calendar year. The defending champion, with his limited event participation in 2025, makes it a must-watch for the fans.

Apart from his presence, the Dubai Desert Classic will always be the top preference for fans due to its years-old rivalry between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed. With a not-so-friendly past between the two, a face-off in 2025 will surely be a great one. But before moving ahead, let’s recap the rivalry between the two.

Patrick Reed throws a tee at Rory McIlroy

Being one of the few events featuring players from both leagues, the tension in the course was obvious. However, McIlroy, being a supporter of the PGA Tour, ignored the LIV golfer, which made things worse.

Patrick Reed during the practice session tried to greet the former World No. 1, but in return he got ignorance. Later, Reed even tried to say hi but again got no response. The two failed attempts of the LIV golfer led to the controversial action. After being ignored a second time, he threw a tee at the Northern Irishman, which sparked controversy.

McIlroy’s indirect jibe after the win

After the controversial start of the tournament where Reed threw a tee at McIlroy, the intense face-off between the two was expected at the course. McIlroy was leading after round 3 with three strokes at 15-under, while Reed was four strokes back. Later, by the final round, Reed gave a tough competition but fell short with one stroke. As the final score read, 68 for McIlroy and 65 for Reed. The win came in as an indirect jibe to the American professional who earlier had thrown a tee.

Apart from the two encounters between the PGA Tour professional and LIV golfer, there is one more that showcased their iconic face-off.

The iconic Ryder Cup match in 2016

It has been 9 years since the iconic singles match, McIlroy vs Reed, during the Ryder Cup. The match started with the pressure on the USA team, as in 2016, the team had already lost three times. Before the singles, the U.S. was in the lead with 9.5-6.5 and hoping to stop the consecutive loss streak. Considering the intensity of the match, for the singles round, captain of Europe Team Darren Clarke sent McIlroy first and Davis Love III captain of the U.S. Team sent Reed.

Initially, the match went smoothly, but until the 5th hole. McIlroy was in the lead. However, from the 6th hole, things got intense as the Irishman screamed in Reed’s direction to celebrate his birdie. For that, he got a gesture of return from Reed. After the putt, he did a finger wag to McIlroy.

With every putt, the gestures were increasing with more intensity as on the 7th hole, McIlroy was “shushing”. On the next, he did cover his ears and screamed, “I can’t hear you!” at the crowd. Later on received a return gesture from Reed of the same finger wag looking at him. However, after the 8th hole, the match went smoothly as both professionals showing mutual respect did a fist bump. By the end of the 18th hole, Reed was able to take the match to his side with a 1-up score.

The match was a complete entertainer for the fans at the course and the fans who witnessed the aggression live. Now with both the players coming together with even harsher sides after the 2023 controversy. The 2025 Dubai Desert Classic becomes a must-watch for sure.