Patrick Reed has revealed he is participating in the Volvo World Match Play Championship on his wife's advice.
Reed is the one representative of the United States’ Ryder Cup team in this week’s event at London Golf Club, The European Tour Destination located in Kent.
The 24 year old from Texas, who turned pro in 2011, made quite an impact at Gleneagles last month with his enthusiasm in winning three and a half out of the four points he played for.
Reed’s wife, Justine, is actively involved in his golf, sharing his caddying duties with his brother-in-law Kessler Karain.
The Ryder Cup rookie explained that he and Justine saw last year’s Volvo World Match Play, which was held in Bulgaria at The Thracian Cliffs Golf and Beach Resort, on television.
“You know, honestly, the first reason why we came over was we watched this event last year on TV. Last year at this time, Justine was like, ‘I think you really need to go over and play.’
“I love match play, and with how I played at Ryder Cup, it's one of these events that if I got invited I definitely would come over.
“I've always wanted to come. I've never been to London before and always wanted to come over here and spend some time and just see different parts of the world in golf.
“To be part of the Volvo World Match Play, especially the 50th anniversary, means a lot, but also to my family and to come over and play means a lot.”
Like at The Ryder Cup, Karain is caddying for Reed rather than his wife.
“She is not caddying this week. She's going to probably lay low and stay as the wife for a period of time,” he explained.
“When she feels like she's ready to come back then she'll come back probably and caddie. But as of right now, Kessler and I are doing what we've been doing.”
Reed and Karain will face weather conditions much cooler than they are used to at home and on The US PGA Tour.
“I expect the weather to be like this. When I come over and play in events, I mean, I want it to be how the normal weather is whether it's foggy, rainy, windy, cool,” he added.
“The first time I actually came over and played links style golf was the Alfred Dunhill, and the first round I played was at St Andrews, it was 72 degrees, sunny and no wind. I was like, ‘oh, man, this is easy’. I only shot one under par but I expected a lot different.
“But come to the third day when I played Carnoustie, it was 55 degrees, blowing sideways and raining. I got to see true links golf and it was a blast. So you know, I don't mind if it's raining. I don't mind if it's windy or cold. I actually hope it is.”
Reed is set to start the competition by playing against fellow US PGA Tour participant Jonas Blixt of Sweden on Wednesday.
The Texan has set his sights high at a tournament more than twice his age.
“Oh, it would be a dream come true to win an event like this,” he added.
“To be a part of the history, a part of the guys that have won this event, just definitely means I'm moving in the right direction and playing some really good golf and that I'm on top of my game.”
