The USA Ryder Cup player Patrick Reed will see his earnings from the WGC-HSBC Champions event docked by way of a fine after a foul-mouthed outburst during his opening round.
Reed had just dropped a shot on the 1st hole, his 10th, when television microphones picked up a tirade towards himself. “‘Nice fucking three-putt, you fucking faggot,” Reed said. Commentators immediately apologised.
The PGA Tour co-sanctions the event and has a policy of not commenting on disciplinary issues but a spokesman confirmed it would deal with the matter internally in accordance with its regulations.
Reed, who was playing with the tournament leader, Graeme McDowell, was to sign for a one-under-par 71. McDowell is four shots ahead after a 67.
The 24-year-old American took to Twitter to show his contrition, writing: “I’m sorry for using offensive language today in China. My passion to play well got the best of me and my word choice was unacceptable.”
Reed is known for his outspoken approach exemplified by his maiden Ryder Cup appearance for USA at Gleneagles in September.
Reed was sledged by the home crowd before his Sunday singles meeting with Henrik Stenson and responded with a single finger in front of his mouth having been asked: “Have you practised your putting?” by a spectator when walking from the 1st tee.
The match was to prove one of the most colourful of the Ryder Cup, with Reed seizing upon every opportunity to stoke the atmosphere.
Reed defeated Stenson on the 18th green, in what was an immaterial result. Still, Reed had been established as the Ryder Cup’s pantomime villain.
Reed was the winner at the first WGC event of the year, in Doral, Miami, in March. He had earlier proclaimed himself as a top-five player in the world, despite never having played in a major championship.
Reed’s latest WGC appearance will inevitably have caused embarrassment to tournament organisers and sponsors. That is particularly the case in China, where both the PGA and European Tours have aspirations of boosting their business.
This week’s competition, which has no cut and is therefore presenting guaranteed cash to competitors, has a household television reach in excess of 500 million for the second year in succession.
