Patrick Reed has had a prolific career in terms of titles and success stories, with more than 10 titles under his belt. A major champion, a Ryder Cup winner, he is the personification of triumph. However, there is something missing from the 35-year-old’s trophy cabinet. Patrick Reed has won in America. Patrick Reed has won in Asia. Patrick Reed has won in Oceania. But Patrick Reed has never won in Europe. It may be surprising, but try as he might, the American has never triumphed on the Old Continent.
The 2018 US Masters champion has played in Europe on many occasions, unlike many of his compatriots who seem averse to leaving their country. Quite the opposite, in fact. Year after year Reed crosses the pond to play on European soil, but so far victory has eluded him. The American has enjoyed the most success here at Wentworth, where he has finished third, fourth and fifth.
Where better, then, to break his duck than Madrid? Patrick has been on the birdie train and managed to put himself in a position to make the Open de España presented by Madrid his first big opportunity. Will Club de Campo become the venue that reignites the career of this experienced player? Seven under par after the first two days is certainly a good start to his campaign. He finds himself two shots off the lead after Friday.
The week did not get off to the start Reed would have been hoping for. His clubs were left in Scotland and for two days he was unable to practise as he would have liked. They arrived just in time for him to tee off on Thursday. However, he seems to have been unfazed by the setback, partly perhaps because he is so comfortable in Madrid. The American says it feels like he is in the USA: “The whole organisation makes me feel like I’m at home”, he said on Friday. Who knows, could this be the key to his first European win? The Black Course at Club de Campo may trip him up yet, but if one thing is for sure, Patrick Reed believes he can do it.
