Patrick Reed, who currently tops the Race to Dubai leaderboard, says that becoming the second American to claim the European No. 1 title would be hugely significant for him. He stresses that he has "no excuses" as he seeks to widen the gap over Rory McIlroy after a recent shoulder setback. Reed is set to tee off at the Open de España on Thursday, marking his first start since he withdrew midway through the second round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth last month.
The 36‑year‑old, who hopes to follow in the path of fellow American Collin Morikawa—Dubai Race champion in 2021—holds a cushion of roughly 300 points over McIlroy with five DP World Tour events still to play. McIlroy will not be in Spain this week; he is scheduled to appear at the DP World India Championship in New Delhi beginning October 15. Reed, meanwhile, has led the standings since February after winning the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and the Qatar Masters, and after a playoff loss at the Bahrain Championship he has added three more top‑10 finishes. The Texan explained his motivation: "I have always taken pride in being the American who enjoys traveling the world and competing everywhere.
Getting the chance to play on this tour and potentially win the Race to Dubai would mean a great deal to me. Gary Player once told me, ‘If you want to be a global player, you have to step outside the PGA Tour.’ Once I got the opportunity to compete here, I fell in love with it. I hope my success can encourage more Americans and other top players to embrace international events and help the game grow worldwide." Reed, who was runner‑up to Shane Lowry at the Amgen Irish Open in September, described the injury that forced his withdrawal at Wentworth: "I never saw it coming. It was the first time I ever had to pull out of a round because of an injury.
I would rather shoot a terrible score than have to quit. When I examined my hand it was swollen and any touch caused significant pain, leading doctors to suspect a fracture. In the end it turned out to be a shoulder problem.
The good news is it only set me back a week. It’s a bit uncomfortable, but I can still swing the club properly. So there are no excuses—just keep grinding and aim to finish the year strong." Three‑time Open de España champion Jon Rahm will miss his home tournament, with Spanish outlets reporting the 31‑year‑old is in the United States awaiting the birth of his daughter. England’s Marco Penge, the defending champion in Madrid, will be joined by a strong field that includes Lowry, Justin Rose, Ludvig Åberg, Sergio García and Eugenio Chacarra, who sits third in the Race to Dubai standings behind Reed and McIlroy.
Reed’s broader career context adds further intrigue. He left LIV Golf earlier this year to re‑enter the PGA Tour starting in 2027.
He has not featured in a Ryder Cup since the 2018 edition in France, where he publicly criticized captain Jim Furyk’s selections as the United States suffered a heavy defeat to Europe. Furyk, who will again captain the U.S.
team for the 2027 Ryder Cup in Ireland, was asked in a press conference a year before the event whether Reed is part of his plans. Furyk replied, "We will choose the best twelve players, the best team of twelve. If Patrick Reed is one of those, that’s great." The Open de España will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Golf from 1 p.m. on Thursday, with additional coverage on Sky Sports Main Event starting at 3 p.m.
Viewers can also access the event via Sky Sports' streaming platform without a contract, taking advantage of any current promotional deals. Reed’s determination to push forward despite his shoulder issue underscores a larger narrative about resilience in professional golf.
Injuries are an inevitable part of any athlete’s career, but Reed’s approach—viewing the setback as a brief pause rather than a justification—highlights his competitive mindset. By emphasizing that he will not let the discomfort hinder his swing, he signals to fans and fellow players alike that his focus remains on performance and results. Looking ahead, the remaining DP World Tour events present a crucial window for Reed to solidify his lead.
With each tournament offering significant points, a strong finish at the Open de España could set the tone for the final stretch of the season. For McIlroy, the upcoming DP World India Championship will be an opportunity to close the gap, but the 300‑point cushion gives Reed a comfortable margin. Beyond the individual rivalry, the tournament showcases the increasingly global nature of elite golf. Players from the United States, Spain, England, Sweden, and other nations are all competing for the same titles, reflecting the sport’s expanding reach.
Reed’s comments about encouraging more Americans to play internationally echo a broader push by the golf community to foster cross‑tour participation, which can elevate the game’s profile worldwide. In summary, Patrick Reed returns to competition with a clear message: no excuses, just relentless effort.
His recent injury has not derailed his ambitions; instead, it has reinforced his resolve to maintain his lead in the Race to Dubai and to pursue the historic milestone of becoming the second American European No. 1. Fans can expect an eager Reed at the Open de España, ready to swing, score, and continue his pursuit of a season‑ending triumph.