Patrick Reed is eager to continue to grow the game of golf as he prepares to tee it up this week in the second edition of the Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers.
The American has been one of the European Tour and world golf's biggest stars for a number of years but his profile increased even further when he won a maiden Major Championship at the Masters Tournament in 2018.
He arrived at Royal Greens Golf and Country Club last season as preparations for defending his Green Jacket were getting under way but still found time to visit a school and show the local children - many of whom were getting their first taste of golf - what it was all about.
This season he insisted on returning the the World Academy here in King Abdullah Economic City and was happy to see some familiar faces excited to see more golf.
"It was unbelievable going over to the World Academy, and spending time with the kids last year was a trip," he said.
"Just the support they gave myself and the support they had for the tournament, for a lot of them coming out and watching the golf tournament meant a lot to me and meant a lot to what I've always wanted to do, and that's to grow the game.
"Because of that, when I decided to come back this year, there was no doubt I was going to go over there and spend time with the kids and just enjoy my time.
"It's always been part of our responsibility as top players, especially if you travel around the world, to play well and get ourselves in contention and give back and try to grow the game.
Now it's our role with DJ, Brooks, myself, Rory, guys like that, to continue to grow the game, continue to strive and play, play well, and be good role models on and off the golf course
"That's the only way golf is going to grow in the next generation and generations after that, by doing things that Mr. Nicklaus, Player and Palmer did, and the things that Tiger and Phil have done.
"Now it's our role with DJ, Brooks, myself, Rory, guys like that, to continue to grow the game, continue to strive and play, play well, and be good role models on and off the golf course in order to allow the game to continue down the path that we all want it to go."
Reed has often been seen as a controversial figure by some in the game but he insists that does not concern him, and fatherhood helps him keep everything in perspective.
"Once I started having children, it just put golf in perspective," he said. "When I want to leave the golf course, didn't matter whether it was a good day or a bad day, just coming home and seeing your kids puts everything in perspective. You forget about golf and just want to hang out with them."
