Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed has offered reassurance to former LIV Golf colleagues weighing their futures, insisting he has been warmly welcomed by the DP World Tour since leaving the breakaway league.
New rules will require all members of the former European Tour to state explicitly that they will not be signing up for the proposed LIV 2.0 relaunch, after the original format applied for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The PGA Tour's year-long suspension policy meant the DP World Tour offered a safe haven, and Reed signed up after his contract expired in January. That move has proved profitable, as he is in contention to become only the second American to win the Race to Dubai, leading Spaniard Eugenio Chacarra, himself a former LIV golfer, and Rory McIlroy with four events remaining.
While some resentment may exist among the rank and file, world No 2 McIlroy said he will vote for LIV deserters to be accepted. Reed said the experience has been positive. "This year fully playing on this tour only has been something I've really enjoyed and I feel like the guys have enjoyed having me come over and playing," he said. "I feel like the guys have accepted me from day one." He acknowledged that some players may have an issue with those who joined only for the big events, but said he has played everything from major to smaller events.
Reed faces direct competition from McIlroy and Chacarra at this week's DP World India Championship, but insists he is not looking over his shoulder. "It feels great to be in the driver's seat," said the former Masters champion, who missed the cut at the Open de Espana after returning from a shoulder injury. "There are still too many events left to sit there and worry about what Rory and Eugenio are doing."
McIlroy, seeking a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title, is focused on the two players above him. "Eugenio jumped me last week in Spain. Patrick isn't playing so well, so I think this is really a good opportunity this week to cut into that lead and head to the Middle East in a really good spot," said the Northern Irishman.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing