While the final round of the LIV Golf Invitational Series debut event played out, Patrick Reed was introduced as the circuit’s newest member. Reed chatted with announcer Arlo White on the broadcast of the event from Centurian Club, a move that Golfweek reported earlier this week would take place.
The 2018 Masters champion and nine-time winner is the ninth major champion to commit to the series.
“It’s refreshing to see team golf again,” Reed said on the live stream. “It brings you back to the good old days in college, also back to the Ryder Cups, the Presidents Cups, when you’re not just out there playing for yourself, but you’re playing for your team and over there, building that camaraderie.”
Speaking of Reed’s collegiate career, he led Augusta State to consecutive national titles in 2010 and 2011, after being dismissed from Georgia.
Reed said he likes LIV’s broadcast, which has focused in on the limited number of players competing in the tournament.
“Being able to see more golf and more golf shots like we’ve been able to see throughout the coverage where there’s a lot of golf shots from everyone. You’re not just seeing featured groups, you’re seeing all players,” Reed said.
Reed was scheduled to play this week’s RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour, but withdrew from the event on Wednesday.
Ranked No. 36 in the world, Reed has never come out in support of LIV Golf or dismissed the idea of ever making the move. The last year has been tough for the 31-year-old. Since his solo 5th at last year’s Memorial Tournament, he’s finished inside the top 10 just twice in 26 official PGA Tour events.
“The growing roster of LIV Golf players gets even stronger today with a player of Patrick Reed’s caliber. He has a proven track record as one of the most consistent competitors in pro golf and adds yet another big presence at our tournaments,” Greg Norman, LIV Golf CEO and commissioner said via a release. “He’s a major champion who has had a significant impact playing international team competitions, and he’ll bring another impressive dynamic to our team-based format at LIV Golf.”