Patrick Reed is rolling into this week’s International Series Qatar on a wave of momentum, fresh off a stellar three-shot victory at the Link Hong Kong Open.
Last week’s triumph not only showcased his trademark grit but also marked his long-awaited 10th career win—an achievement Reed described as “long overdue.”
The 2018 Masters champion has endured his share of near misses since joining the LIV Golf League in 2022, accumulating 10 top-five finishes without quite sealing the deal.
But at the iconic Composite Course at Fanling, Reed silenced the critics with a jaw-dropping 11-under-par 59 in the third round, a performance that will go down in the Asian Tour record books.
The Relief of Double Digits
Reflecting on his milestone victory, Reed shared his sense of relief: “That was huge. I have been trying to get that 10th win, get to double digits for a while now, and it has been frustrating because I feel like the game’s been there. I just haven’t quite gotten over the line,” he said.
He added with a touch of humour, “My first two years out on LIV Golf I felt like I finished second, third and fourth, about 500 times. It feels great to come out, feel like the game was where it needed to be, and finally get to the 10th win. It felt like it was a long time overdue.”
A New Challenge Awaits in Doha
Now, the focus shifts to the Doha Golf Club, a course Reed is encountering for the first time.
Known for its punishing wind conditions, the layout will demand pinpoint accuracy off the tee and a sharp short game.
Speaking about the course after early practice rounds, Reed remarked: “The golf course is in really good shape, and you have to hit fairways. With the rough, the ball never sits up—it always finds its way to the bottom. So it’s going to be crucial to hit the tee shot solid and straight. And you will have to control some iron shots.”
He continued: “Even though the greens are large, missing them leaves you in tough spots. Ball striking is key.”
The Asian Tour Talent Pool
Ranked seventh in The International Series standings, Reed sits among an elite group of competitors.
During the pre-tournament press conference, he was flanked by leader John Catlin and rising star Ben Campbell.
Reed spoke candidly about the fierce competition on the Asian Tour and the opportunities it provides.
“For a guy from the States who’s always played mainly on the PGA Tour, I didn’t have those opportunities to come over and see what kind of talent is over here on the Asian Tour,” he said.
He took aim at the current world rankings system, calling it flawed: “The talent and the strength of the field out here is just as good, even though the world rankings and that flawed system would say otherwise.”
Reed acknowledged the fight required to succeed on this tour: “Every time I come over, it’s a battle. These guys hit it really well, fight really well, and they’re as hungry as all of us. You have to be on your A game.”
He closed with a nod to his fellow competitors: “You have to take these two guys down, and if they’re playing well, it’s going to be a dog fight. It’s always fun coming over and playing against these guys.”
International Series Qatar Details
The International Series Qatar runs from November 27 to 30 at Doha Golf Club.
It is the penultimate event of the Asian Tour season, offering players one last chance to climb the rankings before the final showdown.
For tickets and more information, visit www.internationalseries.com.
