The enigma that is Patrick Reed
The enigma that is Patrick Reed
By Neville Idour
“Captain America” as he is known from his Ryder Cup success, Patrick Reed, has been a polarising figure on the golf scene for much of his career.
Link Hong Kong Open - Round One
HONG KONG, CHINA - OCTOBER 30: Patrick Reed of United States lines up a putt during the first round of the Link Hong Kong Open at Hong Kong Golf Club on October 30, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Reed has been a scapegoat for some time and a target especially from Europeans with cheating allegations and his playing the villain at the Ryder Cup, much to their angst.
However, maybe it is time to give him some kudos for his positive contribution to the world golf scene. I can well remember when he first appeared on the PGA Tour as a young player with a petite wife caddying for him. It was quite incongruous to watch this small yet happy looking woman labouring alongside her husband with this huge golf bag over her slight frame. It looked like a poignant labour of love.
Reed has been front page news again recently with the Ryder Cup because of his absence from the team. United States captain Bradley did not see fit to include Reed as a captain’s pick, and while we will never know, many felt that may well have been the difference in the USA’s loss.
Of course Reed himself, watching on from afar, said he felt he could have played a part for the teamv… and why not? He is a proven winner and performer at the Ryder Cup. His experience and ability would have been invaluable. So his non selection by Bradley came back and bit the USA on their backside.
However Reed’s comments on the Ryder Cup were almost entirely directed at the fiasco caused by the unruly fans. Reed said: “The way the fans acted in New York was uncalled for. It’s embarrassing as an American. You don’t do that. You don’t act that way and say those things. It’s supposed to be a gentleman’s game. It’s just appalling.
“As a dad it’s a lot harder. I feel that the world we live in these days has these negative attitudes, always trying to bring people down and attack people rather than build everyone up. It’s confusing to me, why? So for me, talking to my kiddos it’s hey look at the positives. If we are living and doing things the right way, that’s all you can do. I feel people need to take a hard look in the mirror and take a step back. The number of suicides, mental health issues and things like that from all the verbal abuse, social media and in person are so uncalled for.”
Reed’s words certainly struck a cord. He felt people need to be accountable and to hold other people to be more accountable. He intimated that he is affected by the barbs directed at him and his family who he felt don’t deserve it. It’s like Reed has been permanently written off. The media rarely report on Reed positively, whatever he has or hasn’t done and Reed said the treatment has even affected his children.
On a more positive note is Reed’s role as a genuine global golfer and loyal supporter of the DP World Tour and this year the Asian Tour. He has certainly set a lead for his fellow Americans who stay cocooned on the PGA Tour and rarely venture outside. For them there is no need with all the money available.
Reed is satisfying the expectations of many golf fans who want to see quality international fields. He has been a supporter of the DP World Tour for some years and this year is no exception. The Asian Tour has benefitted this year as well with three appearances. As of early November, Reed had played in 31 events around the world, including his LIV schedule. By season end he will have played 10 times on the DP World Tour.
As for LIV Reed is happy there.
“I really enjoy being on LIV. It’s a great place to play and an awesome format. I love the team aspect. My whole dream has always been to be a worldwide player and to grow the game worldwide. To do that you have to play worldwide.”
He has made it clear he will continue committing to playing on the DP World Tour.
“I’m still a full member and an honorary lifetime member. I talked to them when I joined LIV and they were in full support of me coming and playing, even when I was on the PGA Tour. The cool thing is the friendly banter and the football chants. Some of them are so funny and witty. Hopefully we can figure it out between all the tours because the fans want all the top players playing together.”
Interestingly both Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player are admirers of Reed and his golfing ability stemming back to his Masters win in 2018. Player has huge respect for Reed saying: “I thought that Reed showed tremendous courage throughout the week.’'
Meanwhile Nicklaus said: “He’s a good player and every time I have met him he’s had nothing but a smile on his face, a good firm handshake and a pleasant thing to say. So I’ll judge him on what I’ve seen.”
Perhaps it is time for the media and fans to take Reed as he is, Captain America, a true competitor on the golf course, rather than preconceived thoughts from past.