Patrick Reed, a prominent figure in LIV Golf, will make his long-awaited return to the DP World Tour at the Italian Open next week.
This marks his first appearance on the European circuit since the controversial “tee-gate” incident with Rory McIlroy at the 2023 Dubai Desert Classic. During the infamous altercation, Reed threw a tee at McIlroy after feeling slighted, leading to a dramatic finish where McIlroy emerged victorious by one stroke.
Reed, 33, has seen his world ranking plummet from a career-high of sixth to 103rd. With LIV Golf events not awarding Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points, Reed and fellow LIV players are seeking opportunities on other tours to improve their standings.
Next week’s Italian Open at the Adriatic Club will be a crucial event for Reed, who aims to regain his footing on the global stage. Notably, McIlroy will not be competing, as he takes a break following his narrow defeat at the US Open.
Following the Italian Open, Reed will head to the BMW International Open in Munich, joined by fellow LIV golfers Martin Kaymer and Thomas Pieters. This tournament presents another chance for Reed to gain valuable OWGR points and boost his ranking.
Despite an uneven season on the LIV circuit, Reed’s recent performance at LIV Houston, where he finished tied for third, indicates potential for a strong showing in Europe.
Reed, who missed last week’s US Open, breaking his streak of 41 consecutive major appearances, expressed excitement about competing in Munich, praising BMW’s tournament organization.
Currently focused on the ninth LIV regular season event in Nashville, Reed is determined to make a significant impact as he returns to European soil. His participation in these upcoming tournaments is pivotal for his career, especially as his exemption from his 2018 Masters win has expired.
Reed’s commitment to re-establishing himself in the upper echelons of the golfing world is evident as he navigates this critical phase in his career.
