Patrick Reed: ‘I love the Scottish fans!’

• Patrick Reed reveals fondness for Scottish golf and fans
• “I love the area, the people and the courses,” he said
• Says Zika doesn’t concern him at all if given Rio chance

He may have been booed and jeered for his antics at the 2014 Ryder Cup, but Patrick Reed absolutely loves Scottish golf and its fans.

Speaking at a Ballantine’s Golf Club event on Tuesday night, the American revealed his delight at teeing it up in his Scottish Open debut this week and hopes to continue his commitment to the European Tour – which he joined as a member in 2015.

“I love the area, I love the people and I love the golf courses,” said Patrick Reed of Scotland. “I grew up thinking about playing worldwide and on both tours and when I had that opportunity, my wife and I said, ‘Lets do it’. I love it and I hope it can continue.

“It wasn’t so much coming over to prepare for the Open, it was to come back and play some more events on the European Tour. I don’t want to be known as one of those guys who comes over and plays the bare minimum just to stay on tour.

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“I really enjoy it over here and I felt like, with how the Ryder Cup went and how they reacted to the ‘Shush’, it seemed that I grew more fans and I really bonded and formed a great relationship with the people over here.”

Patrick Reed also spoke strongly about his desire to represent USA at the Olympics. The 25-year-old is currently first reserve behind Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Bubba Watson and Rickie Fowler – and won’t hesitate to seize the opportunity if one of them withdraws.

“It’s sad seeing the top players not going over” – Patrick Reed

“Any time I can represent my country, there’s no doubt I’ll play,” added Reed. “It doesn’t matter about any kind of virus or anything that’s going on, when it comes down to it, if it’s the Ryder Cup or the Olympics – anything where I can wear the Stars & Stripes I’m going to wear it and wear it proud.

“Growing up, I watched the Olympics and just wished that one day I could win a gold medal. Now that golf is finally there and we have that opportunity, it’s sad seeing the top players not going over and playing but at the same time, there are a lot of concerns which you have to understand.”

Patrick Reed was speaking at an event for Ballantine’s, the official Scotch whisky of the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open. Ballantine’s has created the world’s first online golf club offering members unique online content and exclusive opportunities to play the game they love. To join, visit Ballantinesgolfclub.com.

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