A golf fan’s morning often consists of brewing a pot of coffee, turning on the PGA Tour, and answering emails with one eye on the golf. There’s still dew on the fairways when a perfectly manicured golf course, ideal weather, and birdsong fill your living room or home office. Fan appetites are whetted by rookie coverage before the leading group finally heads to the first tee.
Some have changed their routines this year, largely due to Patrick Reed.
The 2018 Masters champion has been in the winner’s circle in two of his last three starts on the DP World Tour, with wins at the Dubai Desert Classic and Qatar Masters, and a playoff loss at the Bahrain Championship. Reed rose to No. 1 in the Race to Dubai, almost guaranteeing him a full-time PGA Tour card for the 2027 season. These are offered to all golfers who finish within the top 10 in a race during the season and are not otherwise exempt.
Reed’s total points have already reached 2,260 through four tournaments. Last season, Jordan Smith won his final card on the PGA Tour at the Race to Dubai with just 2,203 points. The previous year, Tom McKibbin similarly scored 1,897 points (although he ultimately decided to play LIV Golf instead).
After deciding not to re-sign with LIV Golf, Reed will bet on using a past champion’s exemption to play in several PGA Tour events to move up the priority rankings for the 2027 season. That may no longer be the case, as the American has moved up to 17th place in the Official World Golf Rankings, ahead of the likes of Collin Morikawa, Ludwig Oberg, Cameron Young and Matt Fitzpatrick.
With such a strong run, fans now want to see Reed in action on the biggest stage (PGA Tour) and are wondering why he hasn’t returned to the circuit yet. a Returning player program Called out of thin air to bring Brooks Koepka back to the PGA Tour, Reed can’t come close to those results based on past success.
But did you know? that’s ok. After all, what Reed is doing is unusual…and you can follow his journey just as well.
Over the past four weeks, Reed’s itinerary has included Dubai (twice), Bahrain, and Qatar. The Ultimate Grinder has done just that through the Middle East. Next up will be Africa and Asia, after which the schedule will move to Europe.
The 35-year-old could become the second American in history to win the Race to Dubai (Colin Morikawa, 10 competitors in 2021) and the first to do so while participating in a full-time DP World Tour schedule. Not since Tommy Fleetwood in 2017 has a Race to Dubai champion competed in more than 20 DP World Tour events.
Reid could once again be a thorn in Rory McIlroy’s side as the five-time major champion heads into the race to Dubai looking to win his fifth straight race, equaling Colin Montgomerie for the most wins in history with eight. McIlroy averaged 5,755 points in four straight seasons. The lead is at about the 40% mark.
Remember their rivalry? Was the 2016 Ryder Cup singles match full of jeers, hollers, silence and finger-wagging? Did Reid throw a tee at McIlroy at the practice range in Dubai a few seasons ago? There is a possibility that it will flare up again. These two may be able to share meaningful tea time on a stage other than a major tournament.
It would be great if this were possible on the PGA Tour, but all you had to do was change your morning schedule and watch Reed win point after point and trophy after trophy on an unfamiliar golf course, against players whose names he can’t even pronounce.
Take your time and watch the man make his way and come back the only way he knows. Along the way, Patrick Reed might also charm you.
