Exclusive: Patrick Reed insists he is “greatly misunderstood” in explosive new interview

Patrick Reed insists that the public’s perception of him is all wrong, insisting that he is “greatly misunderstood”.

Speaking in the November edition of bunkered, on-sale now, the 2018 Masters champion opened up on a number of issues, including his reputation.

A catalogue of incidents and rumours have led to the 34-year-old being regarded in some quarters as a ‘bad boy’ of golf.

However, he believes that is unfair – and even eschewed a great American philosopher to illustrate his point.

“Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, ‘To be great, is to be misunderstood,’” Reed told bunkered. “And I often think I am greatly misunderstood.

“I have always heard that someone else’s opinion of me is none of my business. I like to keep things light because life is too short to let anyone rob you of your own happiness.”

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In a wide-ranging interview, Reed also:

– Hit out at the credibility of the Official World Golf Rankings;

– Articulated his disappointment at not being ‘afforded the opportunity to play in this year’s US Open;

– Discussed his ‘Captain America’ identity;

– Gave his thoughts on Keegan Bradley’s appointment as US Ryder Cup captain.

He also addressed his decision to join LIV Golf in 2022.

Reed’s move was confirmed during the final round broadcast of the Saudi-funded league’s inaugural event.

Since then, he and several of his colleagues have faced accusations about putting money before majors.

That, he says, is wide of the mark.

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“I don’t know a single professional golfer in the world that doesn’t want to win a major, or doesn’t care about winning majors on any professional golf tour,” he remarked. “Everyone in my circle has always cared about winning and competing in majors.

“The reason we all play this game is to win golf tournaments and to compete and win major championships against our peers, no matter what tour they play on or from.

“Depriving LIV golfers the opportunity to compete in majors simply because we do not play on the PGA Tour is not a good enough reason or acceptable to me. And insinuating or suggesting that LIV players do not care about majors as a way to justify or create an excuse as to what is actually going on in major championships is simply wrong and not true.

“Anyone who is accepting of such a suggestion is out of touch with the players and our views.”

• Get the full interview with Patrick Reed in the November edition of bunkered, on-sale now from all good newsagents. Alternatively, click here to subscribe and never miss an edition. International subscriptions are also available.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor