Staff WriterPatrick Reed didn’t mince his words this week. The former Masters champion is all in on LIV Golf’s shift to 72 holes next season — and he reckons the change will separate the genuine contenders from the flat-track bullies.
Reed delivered his verdict while competing in the season finale of The International Series at the PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, and the smile said as much as the scorecard.
Speaking after another composed performance, Reed made it very clear he’s ready for LIV’s expanded format.
“I love it,” he said of the move to four rounds. “The more holes you play, the more the top players rise to the occasion. With the three-round tournaments, it turned into a really fast sprint. You knew it would be different, but you didn’t think it would be that different.”
On Friday, he backed up the talk with a tidy four-under-par 67 to reach 6-under for the week. Three straight birdies from the 11th hinted at the kind of golf he’s been searching for, even if he felt he left a few shots out on the grass.
“It was okay for the most part,” he said. “I actually drove the ball better earlier this week, but I hit a lot of quality irons and gave myself a ton of opportunities. I felt like I left a lot out there, missed a couple short ones, but to feel like I got nothing out of the round and still shoot 4-under is a good sign. Hopefully tomorrow I get off to a fast start and make the putts rather than miss them.”
A Season That’s Been Hard to Ignore
Reed’s year has been anything but forgettable. A breakthrough LIV Golf League victory in Dallas put him seventh in the standings. Add in a runner-up finish at International Series Macau presented by Wynn — which punched his ticket to The 153rd Open — plus a third place at the Masters, and it’s clear why he’s talking with the confidence of a man trending upwards.
That Macau finish, he said, sums up the value of The International Series.
“That’s what’s awesome about the Asian Tour and The International Series events, the majors are really starting to recognise the talent and the great play from the players out here, and because of that, they’re allowing spots in the majors and these big events.
“I think it’s huge for this tour because it brings guys over to try to earn spots and showcase their game. It really shows how global golf is and how important it is for the majors to branch out and give players worldwide a chance to compete in the four biggest events in the world.”
Form-wise, Reed feels close — painfully close — to something bigger.
“The form has been getting a lot better,” he reflected. “Golf’s a funny game, one day you’re flushing it and burning edges, the next day you’re hitting it sideways but making everything. It’s very close to being really, really good. The irons feel great. Now I just need the putter to cooperate.”
Living Out of a Suitcase — and Liking It
This year, Patrick Reed embraced a schedule that would make most players reach for a chiropractor. From Macau to the Philippines to the Link Hong Kong Open, he’s leaned into the global swing, and he’s convinced it’s sharpened his game.
“Travelling worldwide makes you adapt, different grasses, altitudes, temperatures, time zones. It shows you what needs work and what’s improving. It’s great preparation.”
With one more loop around the course in Riyadh, Reed has his eyes fixed on finishing the year on a high before stepping away for a well-earned breather.
The immediate plan? He kept it simple.
“Go home and take some time off – it’s well deserved. I’ve played 32 weeks already this year. Then I’ll sit down with my coaches, figure out what to work on in the off-season, and probably play a couple DP World Tour events in Dubai to get ready for LIV starting up here in Saudi.”
