The PGA Tour resumes this week with WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin. The event holds significance as the final edition of a World Golf Championship event in the foreseeable future. Once witnessing the strongest fields on the Tour due to its distinct format, the competition has lost its charm. But that didn’t bother eligible LIV defectors to register for the event, which was eventually rejected, and caught the eyes of the golf community.
Patrick Reed and others refused entry to WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play
In a report that has come to light, 2018 Masters winner, Patrick Reed and other unnamed LIV players, were disallowed to play at the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play. The tournament is held by the International Federation of PGA Tours, with rules stating that the defectors’ application was “subject to acceptance by the Host Tour,” which was expectedly denied.
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The event provided an opportunity for LIV golfers to gain some much-needed ranking points while competing for a lucrative purse of $20 million. Some even have a history with the WGC events, including 32-year-old Patrick Reed.
🚨#NEW: Patrick Reed was among some of the LIV golfers who registered to play in this week’s Match Play in Austin and were rejected by the PGA TOUR. (Via @BobHarig)
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) March 20, 2023
The Texas-born secured his first key victory on the PGA Tour after winning the 2014 WGC-Cadillac Championship. He followed that up with another WGC title, at the 2020 WGC-Mexico Championship. He switched sides to the LIV Golf Series the following year.
Reed’s and others’ dismission from the tournament made news on social media, with several fans pitching their opinions. Here’s a selection of those tweets.
Good. Choices have consequences.
— Pokes & Stros (@Pokes_N_Stros) March 20, 2023
you love to see it
— Mike Jennings (@mikejjennings) March 20, 2023
A lot of players are regretting leaving the tour and it’s showing everyday.
— tonio (@ANTONIOEESPARZA) March 20, 2023
Not even in the top 64 pic.twitter.com/hDUhrmnCA0
— Classy Griz (@classygriz) March 20, 2023
I thought he wanted to play less and spend more time with his family!!
— Klayton D (@klaytoond) March 20, 2023
I think the liv players & people who run it should be more worried about there fans & tv viewers that didn’t show much interest over the weekend we would get more fans at are club monthly medal 😂😂😂
— Gavin Thornton (@thornton_gavin) March 20, 2023
I thought he wanted more time with the family and all ….what am I missing..can't keep up
— Colm O Neill (@colmoark) March 20, 2023
Good. Nobody likes him
— Ian (@theianeike) March 20, 2023
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Reed won’t be allowed to add to his tally after the recent ruling, which is a shame considering the spirited atmosphere during his last visit to a mainstream event.
What happened between Reed and Rory McIlroy when the duo last met each other?
January’s Dubai Desert Classic, the season-opening event on the DP Tour, proved to be an absolute entertainer for golf fans. It started out with an alleged beef between Reed and then-World No.1, Rory McIlroy, with the former accused of tossing a tee in the Brit’s direction.
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The story continued to grow despite the reluctance of both golfers. It eventually added spice to the tournament, which was hotly contested. In the final round, the duo kept bettering each other, before McIlroy scripted victory over Reed by a single stroke.
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