After Patrick Reed wrapped up a five-shot win at the Farmers Insurance Open on Sunday, it was on to his next event – the Saudi International on the European Tour. Reed’s victory was arguably overshadowed by a controversial handling of an embedded ball at the 10th hole in the third round. The situation garnered many headlines and on Sunday evening, Xander Schauffele, who was among five players who finished second to Reed at the Farmers, ultimately had the last word.
“I mean, he did everything by the book according to the official and everyone stood by there,” said Schauffele, who didn’t search for video of Reed’s situation but heard players talking about it. “Obviously the talk amongst the boys isn’t great, I guess, but he’s protected by the (PGA) Tour and that’s all that matters, I guess.”
According to Reed, Schauffele later cleared the air with a text message, which Reed said came in while he was in transit to Saudi Arabia.
“I’ve actually talked to Schauffele,” Reed said Wednesday in a pre-tournament press release when asked about Schauffele’s comments. “Him and I actually talked earlier this week. I’m just going to leave it between him and I because really, it’s one of those things that all you can do is try to do the right thing and from that point, move on.”
In Reed’s mind, the issue was resolved between the two.
“We’re good. We’re all good,” he said.
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Reed was also asked if he was concerned that Schauffele’s suggestion that “talk amongst the boys isn’t great” might lead to problems in a team environment such as the Ryder Cup and President Cup.
“No, not at all,” Reed answered.
Even though Reed’s handling of the embedded-ball situation was declared to be within the Rules of Golf by an on-site official, it continues to be a hot topic. Bryson DeChambeau was also asked what he made of the situation during his Wednesday press conference in Saudi.
“Man, yeah, I don’t know what actually happened,” DeChambeau said. “I’ve heard what happened. I’ve talked to him and he said that when he picked it up, there was stuff under it. There was mud.
“So I mean, the rules official made the decision and you go with what the rules official says in any situation. That’s what you have to do. So he made that call, and I would defer to the rules official.”
DeChambeau further offered that he and Reed have gotten along and that “I don’t have issues with him at all.”
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