Author Shane Ryan, in his new book releasing this May, paints a troubling picture of Patrick Reed. The book depicts Reed as a brash, cocky competitor obsessed with winning by any means necessary. In the book, Reed’s college teammates claim his means included cheating and theft.
Ryan released excerpts from his book Slaying the Tiger: A Year Inside the Ropes on the New PGA Tour here. The excerpts tell of a naturally gifted Reed following up his introductions to strangers by telling people he would “kick the shit out of them” on the golf course anytime they choose.
The worst of the accusations come during the telling of his year at the University of Georgia. He not only alienated himself from his teammates with his arrogance immediately, but his teammates also became suspicious:
“[S]everal items went missing from the Georgia locker room, including a watch, a Scotty Cameron putter, and $400 cash. When Reed showed up the next day with a large wad of cash, sources say a teammate confronted him and asked how he’d come by the money. Reed said he’d played golf with a professor at the school and hustled him out of the cash. The player in question took this claim to the professor, who had no idea what he was talking about—it had been weeks since the man had played with Reed.”
The excerpt attacks the four-time Tour winner’s character further:
“During a qualifying round prior to a tournament, according to sources, Reed hit a ball far into the rough. When he approached the spot, he found another ball sitting closer to the fairway, and was preparing to hit it when several of his teammates confronted him. Reed pled ignorance, but the other Georgia players were convinced he had been caught red-handed trying to cheat.”
The lengthy piece that Ryan titled The Villain: Patrick Reed goes on to detail two alcohol-related arrests, the strained relationship Patrick and his wife Justine have with his parents, and another alleged incident of cheating while Reed attended Augusta State resulting in a suspension.
Patrick Reed has issued a statement to the Golf Channel regarding the accusations:
“The accusations that were made against me are serious and were intended to damage my reputation and character. They will not be taken lightly. My team and my representatives are looking into all aspects of this matter, and we look forward to setting the record straight.”
Heavy allegations like these will follow a player throughout his career, yet the accusers decided to remain anonymous, which is always reason to pause. Reed is a fiery, polarizing personality on Tour, for sure. Is it coincidence these stories show up as Reed’s star is at its highest and rising? Or is this a case of smoke leading to fire?
Whichever way it turns out one thing is probably safe to say: Ryan has already conducted the last interview he will ever do with Patrick Reed.
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