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Patrick Reed’s caddie has been sent home from the Presidents Cup after reportedly punching a fan following Saturday’s play.

Kessler Karain has been barred from caddying for Reed in tomorrow’s singles matches after the altercation that came after the former Masters third successive loss in this year’s Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne. 

Reed has been roundly heckled by the Australian crowd following his alleged cheating during last week’s Hero World Challenge. Karain, who is also Reed’s brother-in-law, finally snapped after a fan yelled “you f**king suck” at the American as they drove past in a cart.

“As a caddie, one of your jobs is to protect your player,” Karain told ESPN. “And unlike several other sports, in golf fans can get pretty close to athletes. 

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“We have been known for having fun with some good banter, but after hearing several fans in Australia for three days some had taken it too far, I had enough. And this gentleman was one of them.

“I got off the cart and shoved him, said a couple things, probably a few expletives. Security came and I got back in [the] cart and left. I don’t think there’s one caddie I know that could blame me. Unless his bones break like Mr Glass, the most harm done was a little spilled beer which I’m more than happy to reimburse him for.”

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However, an eye-witness to the incident has told bunkered.co.uk that Karain punched the fan in the chest. 

In a statement of his own, Reed said: “I respect the tour’s decision. We are all focused on winning the Presidents Cup tomorrow.” 

• “Our friendship is over” – Pro blasts Reed

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His coach Josh Gregory is expected to step in to carry his bag for the final day, where he will take on C.T. Pan in the third match out.

The Internationals side, captained by Ernie Els and seeking a first win in the match since 1998, currently lead 10-8.


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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

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