Patrick Reed is one lucky man. In more ways than one. Despite reportedly being COVID-19 vaccinated, the 31-year-old star was hospitalized with double lung pneumonia a few weeks ago, and missed the opening two legs of the FedExCup Playoffs (The Northern Trust and BMW Championship).
He was released from the Texas Medical Center last week to finish his recuperation at home. Then on Sunday, he was fortunate in another way: when – despite not playing in either of the points-generous playoff events – he snuck into the Tour Championship on the 30th spot.
With his status still up in the air, though, he was absent from the early betting lines, and assumed to be out. But on Tuesday, Reed announced that he will in fact attempt to tee it up this week at East Lake for the $60 million TOUR Championship.
And why not? He could play four rounds at East Lake, carrying around an oxygen tank, shooting 95 each day, and still walk away with a check for $395,000 (the guaranteed payout of the last-place finisher).
He wrote, “Really appreciate everyone’s prayers and well wishes. Excited to get back out there and give it my best shot this week!”
#TeamReed Road Trip! ATL here we come! ?
Really appreciated everyone’s prayers and well wishes. Excited to get back out there and give it my best shot this week! pic.twitter.com/7XyVe5VDzj
— Patrick Reed (@PReedGolf) August 31, 2021
Reed is also angling to be one of U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker’s six at-large picks, which will be announced following the Tour Championship. Considered a lock before his illness, Reed will now need to prove he’s back in form. He’s fallen outside the top-10 for the first time in a year; he now sits 11th in the standings.
