Patrick Reed on the Brink: Can He Cement His Legacy with Another Middle East Triumph?

Doha’s desert winds were whispering something electric Friday as Patrick Reed carved out a late surge at the Qatar Masters, firing a solid 5-under 67 that nudged him into the driver’s seat by a single stroke. This isn’t just another tournament for Reed; it’s a pivotal chapter in what’s been a seismic month for the American golfer down in the Middle East—a month that’s reshaping his career on his own terms. With savvy precision, he bullied the final holes at Doha Golf Club—dropping birdies on the 16th and the nerve-testing 18th, the latter a masterstroke of strategy dodging water hazards for a safe, clutch wedge to within 7 feet. Sitting comfortably at 12-under, Reed’s got his closest rivals, Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren and a couple of other keen contenders, scurrying just a shot behind. What’s really fascinating here is the backdrop: Reed’s journey from the Dubai Desert Classic triumph to his ongoing dance with LIV Golf contracts, and his hopeful eyes set on a European tour schedule that could be the key to rejoining the PGA Tour. One win in Qatar could very well seal his ticket. Intrigued? Dive into the full story and catch all the twists and turns unfolding on this electrifying golf stage. LEARN MORE

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Patrick Reed birdied two of his last three holes Friday for a 5-under 67, giving him a one-shot lead in the Qatar Masters as the American tries to wrap up a career-changing month in the Middle East with another victory.

Reed took advantage of late scoring opportunities at Doha Golf Club. He drove just short of the reachable par-4 16th to set up a pitch-and-putt birdie, then chose to lay up from 272 yards on the par-5 18th with water down the left side. Reed hit wedge to 7 feet for birdie.

That put him at 12-under 132, one shot ahead of Joakim Lagergren of Sweden, who had a 66. Daniel Hillier of New Zealand (69) and Richard Sterne of South Africa (66) were another shot back.

Reed came over to the Middle East a month ago while preparing for his fifth season on LIV Golf. But he won the Dubai Desert Classic, revealed he still had not signed a contract with LIV and then couldn’t agree on a new deal with the Saudi-funded league.

Reed is playing a European tour schedule this year with an eye toward returning to the PGA Tour. A victory in Qatar would all but lock up one of the 10 tour cards offered to leading European tour players who are not yet PGA Tour members.

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AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf