In an instance of perfect timing Golf Digest has Barclays winner Patrick Reed on their September cover with Reed being his usual blunt self in their “My Shot” column with Guy Yocum.
Reed clinched his 2016 Ryder Cup spot with Sunday’s win and despite his fifth PGA win he still plays with a large chip on his shoulder. And it might as well be painted red, white and blue.
“… when Henrik Stenson and I were all square going into the seventh hole of our Sunday singles match two years ago. When Henrik made a 20-footer for birdie on the seventh hole, the crowd went nuts. I had a 10-footer to tie that I felt I just had to make. When I poured it in, that’s when I made the “Shhh!” gesture at the gallery. It didn’t quiet them—they booed like crazy. I then turned to my fellow American supporters and screamed as loudly as l could, “Come on!” That putt kept the momentum on my side. Every single hole after that, as I walked down the fairway, the crowds were yelling, “Shhh!” Eventually, I took down Henrik on the 18th hole, won my singles match and closed out my Ryder Cup record 3-0-1. It was one of the greatest achievements I’ve ever had. There’s nothing more exciting in golf than playing for your country and being a part of the Ryder Cup team.”
Reed loves playing for his country and he let it be known when he made the US Olympic team and said he would play anywhere, anytime wearing the red, white and blue in a slap at those players that opted out of Rio.
“I’ve worn red shirts forever, my way of channeling the power of Tiger Woods. Add some blue, white and preferably stripes to the ensemble, and the energy gets even stronger. It doesn’t take a team event to stir up my patriotism. Since I played on that Ryder Cup team, I’ve carried a red, white and blue yardage book. It’s getting a little worn now, and I’m trying to find a duplicate. Any time I can feed off my national pride, I’ll do it.”
Reed isn’t afraid of offending anyone with his affinity for national team play.
“Players today are every bit as patriotic as players of the past. Some guys are less demonstrative about it, which is fine. Not everyone has that type of personality. One thing I’d encourage my teammates to do, though, is not deliberately keep a lid on it. Don’t be shy. If you’re bleeding red, white and blue, let it show. If someone gets offended by an ordinary display of patriotism, that’s a “them” problem, not a “you” problem.”
Reed has no problem with confidence, for good reason, (he’s ninth in the world) and wanting to be the man at the critical time.
“At some point in my career I hope it comes down to me. I want to be in the deciding match on the final day. I want it all on my shoulders. I want that pressure—the whole country depending on me—and everything that goes with it. I’ve wanted that my whole life. Whether I’m put in that position is another matter, but I feel I can get the job done.”
Hopefully he’ll have his chance in a few weeks as the US Ryder Cup Team tries to stop the bleeding from their horrible Ryder Cup slide.
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