Patrick Reed has been an enormous flop in the Presidents Cup matches after the first three days.
Reed, who brought overwhelming baggage to the U.S. team, added to the distraction burden on Saturday when his brother-in-law/caddie became involved in an altercation with a fan after Reed and partner Webb Simpson lost for the third time in their best-ball match. Reed and Simpson were easily handled by Marc Leishman and Abraham Ancer, 3-and-2.
On the way in, Reed, wife Justine and caddie Kessler Karain were getting it from the crowds. Karain got off the cart and shoved one fan who screamed at Reed, per Karain: “You f–ing suck!”
“I got off the cart and shoved him, said a couple things, probably a few expletives,” Karain said. “Security came and I got back in (the) cart and left. I don’t think there’s one caddie I know that could blame me.”
Karain added “the most harm done was a little spilled beer, which I’m more than happy to reimburse him for.”
The PGA Tour took immediate action and banned Karain from the Sunday singles session. It could ban him further if it wanted. Karain was scheduled to meet on site with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monhan to discuss the incident and Karain’s behavior.
How will the home fans react to the incident?
Reaction in the singles, per Frank Nobilo, former tour player and International team member said it could be “Off the charts. I’ve never seen anything escalate to this level,” Nobilo said on The Golf Channel. “The crowd will feast on that tomorrow (Sunday).”
Reed went winless in team play at the Ryder Cup and is now winless in team play at this Presidents Cup. He’s failed to justify Tiger Woods making him a Captain’s pick.
Add in the baggage that goes with Reed and this became almost predictable.
It was yet another distraction for Captain Woods, who issued this statement:
“We came here as a team. We’ll rally around our teammate and we’re excited about tomorrow.”
Reed, who was not made available to reporters, released a brief statement:
“I respect the Tour’s decision. We are all focused on winning the Presidents Cup tomorrow.”
Kevin Kirk, Reed’s coach, Kevin Kirk will caddy for Reed in the singles on Sunday.
Reed will play C.T. Pan in the third singles match.
One Comment
baxter cepeda
Nobilo actually defended Reeds team saying he once needed to be held back from crossing the ropes to deal with a fan. He is well aware of the consequences.
That being said…wow. Just wow.