Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

Arriving in France this year, Patrick Reed had suffered only one defeat in nine previous Ryder Cup appearances, winning seven points in the process.

Safe to say, then, that he well and truly earned the right to be called ‘Captain America’.

However, he endured a turgid time at Le Golf National, contributing only one point from three matches Europe inflicted the ‘Pounding in Paris’ on the United States.

That’s to say nothing of the fall-out that ensued, with Reed, his wife and even his mother-in-law publicly criticising, amongst other, US captain Jim Furyk and Jordan Spieth for the Americans’ capitulation in the French capital.

• OPINION – In defence of Patrick Reed

• Every US Ryder Cup player rated from 1 to 10 (look away, Phil)

All of which has damaged Reed’s reputation as the United States’ talisman. Not that he necessarily agrees with that.

Ahead of this week’s Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas, the Masters champion was asked if he felt as though his ‘Captain America’ status had been damaged by this year’s Ryder Cup.

Fgwl Image

His response was perfectly ‘Patrick’.

“No – I’m still 3-0 in [Ryder Cup] singles,” he said. “[Being called ‘Captain America’] is something that I love and cherish and hopefully will continue playing really good golf when I represent the country and keep on bringing it in those events.

“Being 3-0 in singles is something cool because you always want to feel like you can be counted on toward the end, especially during a Ryder Cup.”

Memo to US captain-in-waiting Steve Stricker: use this guy wisely at Whistling Straits in 2020. 


author headshot

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

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship