# Rory McIlroy respects Patrick Reed post-LIV exit

> McIlroy credits Reed’s PGA Tour return path after LIV exit.
- Title: Rory McIlroy respects Patrick Reed post-LIV exit · Golf
- Summary: McIlroy credits Reed’s PGA Tour return path after LIV exit. McIlroy says Reed earned respect by returning to PGA Tour after LIV exit via DP World Tour.
- Keywords: rory mcilroy, patrick reed, liv golf, dp world tour, race to dubai, pga tour, golf, sports, Rory, McIlroy, respects, Patrick
- Source: Golf — https://golf.com/news/rory-mcilroy-patrick-reed-lawsuit-liv
- Published: 2026-10-17T13:35:03+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rory mcilroy, patrick reed, liv golf, dp world tour, race to dubai, pga tour, golf, sports
## Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed
Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed were rivals for over a decade on and off the golf course.
## LIV Golf exit
Reed left LIV Golf in January 2026 after a legal battle with McIlroy.
## PGA Tour suspension
Reed accepted a one-year PGA Tour suspension to return to the American circuit.
## Race to Dubai standings
Reed won in Dubai and Qatar, securing his return to the PGA Tour in 2027.
## McIlroy’s respect
McIlroy said Reed’s character earned respect after returning to the PGA Tour.
## 2016 Ryder Cup
Reed beat McIlroy in singles at the 2016 Ryder Cup, their last major rivalry.
## 2022/2023 tension
Reed’s lawyer served McIlroy a subpoena in late 2022/early 2023 over a defamation lawsuit.
## Handshake incident
Reed shook McIlroy’s hand at Dubai Desert Classic in January 2023, but McIlroy ignored him.
## Key takeaway

McIlroy says Reed earned respect by returning to PGA Tour after LIV exit via DP World Tour.