In a build-up dominated by a row between the pair, Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed diced for the early lead of the rain-delayed Dubai Desert Classic on Friday.
The pair moved to the top of the leaderboard with their respective six-under-par rounds of 66 before being overtaken by Ian Poulter’s 65.
McIlroy and Reed were involved in a war of words following an incident in practice when the Northern Irishman refused to shake hands and Reed threw a LIV Golf tee at him in response.
“It’s extremely sweet,” said world No1 McIlroy after their on-course rivalry.
“Look, it’s fine. It’s been blown out of proportion and, once the golf starts, it’s nice that we can all just focus on the birdies and the bogeys and not all the rest of the nonsense.”
In completing the rain-delayed round, McIlroy had a 116-yard eagle and two other birdies while Reed eagled the 18th to briefly tie for the top spot on the leaderboard.
Following his own round, Reed said: “To come out this week and feel like I was able to put everything together and to have my mind right on game planning and course management was definitely a plus. I feel like I had full control of the golf ball and made a couple of putts.”
