Patrick Reed's strong start in 2026

Patrick Reed, who joined the DP World Tour full-time this season after leaving LIV Golf at the end of 2025, has already won events in Dubai and Qatar at the start of the year. His strong performance has kept him in the lead of the Race to Dubai, a points-based competition that determines the top player on the tour.

Reed's lead is narrowing

Despite his success, Reed’s lead over Eugenio Chacarra, who is in second place, and Rory McIlroy, who is third, has decreased. Reed has been a lifetime honorary member of the DP World Tour since 2019 but remains a divisive figure in the golf world. He believes he is welcome on the European Tour, a sentiment he has expressed publicly.

Reed's goals and perspectives

Reed has benefited from leaving LIV Golf, as the breakaway circuit, which was abandoned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund in April, is now in decline. He is competing in the DP World India Championship in New Delhi and aims to return to the PGA Tour in 2027 through the Race to Dubai. Reed has stated that he feels very welcome on the European Tour and has always supported it, regardless of the circuit he was on.

Reed's history with the European Tour

Known as “Captain America” during his peak in the Ryder Cup, Reed first played on the European Tour in 2011 but did not make the cut. He has since played in 137 other tournaments, including major championships. Reed first competed in the DP World Tour Championship in 2015 and has reached the final six times, finishing on the podium twice.

Reed's current standing in the Race to Dubai

Leading the Race to Dubai with 3,423.62 points, Reed has a 165.73-point lead over Chacarra and a 307.76-point lead over McIlroy. Only one American golfer has won the Harry Vardon Trophy, which honors the European No. 1 player—Collin Morikawa in 2021. Reed will compete in the DP World India Championship alongside Ryan Fox and Aaron Rai, both recent major champions.