‘Akdong’ Lead ‘Did They Cause Trouble Again?’…‘Tree Gate’

Controversy Over Cheating in the 3rd Round of Dubai Desert Classic

‘Troublemaker’ Patrick Reed (USA, photo) has been embroiled in allegations of rule violations. On the 17th hole (par 4) of the third round at the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) Hero Dubai Desert Classic (total prize money $9 million), held on the 29th (local time) at the Emirates Golf Club (par 72, 7,428 yards) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Reed’s tee shot went off the fairway and headed toward a large palm tree. The ball lodged between the branches of the palm tree and did not fall. Reed declared the ball unplayable after confirming with binoculars that his ball was stuck between the branches, took a one-stroke penalty, and hit his third shot near the tree. Although he failed to get the ball on the green, he finished the hole with a bogey.

However, after the round ended, suspicions arose that Reed only pretended to confirm his ball. A video of the round released on social media showed that Reed’s shot appeared to be heading toward a different tree than the one where he claimed to have found his ball. If Reed had not actually confirmed the whereabouts of his tee shot ball, he would have had to return to the teeing ground to hit his third shot.

Reed jumped to his defense. He said, “I definitely confirmed my ball,” and insisted, “If I hadn’t been 100% sure it was my ball, I would have gone back to the teeing ground.” The tournament official stated, “On site, Reed identified the tree where his ball was lodged and confirmed the marked ball with binoculars.”

Reed has previously been suspected several times of cheating and breaking rules. Peter Kostis, a CBS broadcast course analyst, revealed, “I have witnessed at least four instances of Reed violating rules by improving his lie during PGA Tour events.”

Before the start of this tournament, Reed caused controversy by throwing a wooden tee at world No. 1 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), who was displeased with Reed’s joining LIV Golf. The American media called this incident ‘Tee Gate,’ and they referred to the current situation as ‘Tree Gate.’

The 2018 Masters champion Reed is a player frequently involved in controversies. Since his days at the University of Georgia, he was expelled from the golf team for reasons including cheating, theft, and alcohol-related incidents. He is estranged from his family. His relationship with his parents, who opposed his marriage to Justin, who is four years older, has deteriorated. This is why Reed is unpopular in American society, which values family culture. At the 2014 US Open, he made a shocking move by chasing his parents and sister off the course.