Rory McIlroy, Patrick Reed Avoid Pairing for Final Round in Dubai After Reed's Miscue

Well that could have been awkward.

Rory McIlroy and Patrick Reed, who have been publicly squabbling after McIlroy was served a subpoena by Reed's lawyers on Christmas Eve as part of Reed's defamation lawsuit, looked to be on pace to be in the final group together for Monday's final round at the Dubai Desert Classic.

But while McIlroy sits atop the field at 15 under, Reed bogeyed the 17th and now sits in a tie for fourth at 11 under. So there won't be a final group with the two feuding golfers.

"You know what, I hit that tee shot, I didn't even see those palms," Reed told reporters regarding his bogey on the 17th. "I felt like it was on a good line, just left of the green and I guess I just need to be a little more right or a little higher. It's an unfortunate break, but at the same time, I hit the line solid. I hit it right down the line I was looking. That's all you're going to ask for. You're going to get bad breaks once in a while. You just have to bounce back from them."

McIlroy has been a vocal critic of the LIV Golf tour and the players who departed the PGA Tour for it, including Reed. A final group with the two players would have been something to see. Alas, it will have to wait for another day.