Reed denies ‘bad blood’ over LIV move, calls for DP World Tour ‘love’

Patrick Reed insists he hasn’t encountered any animosity from American players over his move to LIV Golf, suggesting there would be no issues if he were to make Keegan Bradley’s Ryder Cup team next year.

Reed, who hasn’t featured in the biennial contest between the U.S. and Europe since 2018, has been dubbed “Captain America” for his Ryder Cup exploits.

His hopes of a return to Team USA were bolstered earlier this year when Bradley openly expressed his willingness to include LIV Golf players, saying, “I want the 12 best players, and I don’t care where they play.”

Recent reports indicate that a sticking point in the proposed deal between the Public Investment Fund (LIV Golf’s backers), the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour is the demand from some PGA Tour players that LIV Golf defectors return the money they’ve earned before rejoining the circuit.

However, Reed claims he has faced no such tension with his former colleagues.

“I'm glad he's (Bradley) open to it (attending LIV Golf events),” Reed told Gulf News at the International Series Qatar.

“I hope some of our guys play well enough to get out there and are able to represent the country.

“Out of all the golf I've played since joining LIV, the Majors and stuff with these other guys and the guys on the PGA Tour that are American, I've yet to run into anybody that's had bad blood.

“Everyone's been the same and all that. So, because of that, I wouldn't think it would affect the team either way. It's just about making the team better.”

‘Give love back’

Although Reed holds Honorary Life Membership on the DP World Tour, granted in recognition of his 2018 Masters Tournament victory, he revealed to Gulf News that he opted not to register for membership in 2024. Instead, he participated in four events through tournament invitations.

But his desire to maintain a global playing schedule led the 34-year-old to reconsider.

As a result, Reed was among nine LIV Golf players to sign up for DP World Tour membership for the 2025 season. He now hopes the Tour will show him the same level of “love” he believes he has shown golf’s global circuit.

“I'm happy to play, I want to play,” said Reed.

“I've taken pride in being the fourth American ever to hold honorary membership. To be beside the names of Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer - it means a lot to me, and I don't want to give that up.

“I want to keep playing, I want to keep supporting that tour. It's a reason why I flew over there during COVID.

“It was impossible, during the bubble, to get over there safely, so I paid my way and flew privately there and back to show support for that tour.

“I feel like I've done a lot to help that tour. I've shown how loyal and how much support I have for them. Hopefully, they take that into consideration and give love back.”