Seems wherever Patrick Reed goes, controversy is right there with him, riding in the back seat, so to speak.
This week’s Presidents Cup matches were no exception.
Reed, who went winless in the team matches at the last Ryder Cup in Paris, once again went 0-3 when forced to be part of a two-man team.
What was worse this week is that evidently Webb Simpson drew the short straw and had to listen to the noise that Reed brought from the Melbourne galleries. Something new for Simpson, who probably would struggle to spell “controversy.”
Once again, Reed got shut-out in team play — zero for three and Tiger Woods sat him down for the Saturday afternoon foursomes (alternate shot) matches. Otherwise, he might have been 0-4.
There was also an incident that turned out to be a first in the 25-year history of the Presidents Cup. Reeds caddie/brother-in-law/lackey, managed to get himself banned from working the singles matches after he shoved a fan that offered some nasty expletives at Reed. Without his lackey on the bag, Reed managed his only points in the Sunday singles, wiping out C.T. Pan, who is hardly a household name in the world of golf.
At least Reed came through at the end, otherwise, Tiger Woods might have taken a lot of pot-shots for selecting the baggage-laden Reed with a captain’s pick.
No doubt, Reed couldn’t get out of Melbourne fast enough.
He was a distraction with a capital “D” — bringing focus away from his team and onto his sand-moving rules violation at the Hero World Challenge and his poor play in the team matches.
At the end of the day, they pulled this one out for Woods.
It’s a long time until the next Ryder Cup matches, but you have to think, somehow, some way, Reed will bring more baggage to Wisconsin.
It’s just what he does.
4 Comments
baxter cepeda
Strickers comment that he would take all 12 guys right into Wisconsin was a powerful endorsement for Reed….because Reed may likely need a pick ….but is that so certain to happen?
Reed may need to be picked because — aside from all the prototype golfers just entering the American fray — Next year could be a real struggle for Reed.
Melbourne is not the only city he will deal with backlash and nastiness.
And the thing is it is no longer easy to say nothing bothers Reed. He seemed bothered this week. He seemed bothered in France. And Everyone seems bothered with him despite Tiger running a Patriotesque team ship.
With the last two cups ending with zero team wins for Reed on top of all the controversy, it’s hard to see arguably the nicest man in golf giving arguably the baddest (not in a good way) the nod. Thunder Bear has a case over Reed for baddest bad boy but he isn’t even American.
If Reed wants to be on the American Ryder Cup team he is going to need to suck it up and earn the points amidst backlash not seen since, I don’t know, Jackie Robinson.
One thing which would help is if Patrick comes out and gives a more reasonable explanation for his actions, good or bad, and provides a genuine apology. Every once in a while a golfer snaps and almost rebels against golfs frustrating rules. If that was the case, admit it and move on.
What is certain is intention defense is just not gonna cut it this time.
Tom Edrington
Euros would eat that team alive…..
baxter cepeda
I cannot disagree with that.
I do like America’s chances in Wisconsin much more than France.
Tom Edrington
Nine months and we’ll find out; I think somewhere, the Euros are licking their chops..