GOLF – FORMER Masters champion Patrick Reed has highlighted the importance of playing tournaments such as the Bapco Energies Bahrain Championship to promote the development of golf worldwide.
The kingdom is hosting the DP World Tour this year for only the third time, and Reed is making his debut at The Royal Golf Club as one of the most popular stars in the 132-player field.
“You always expect guys to go and play in the biggest events – but it’s every other event that’s being played around the world that helps grow the game even more,” Reed told the GDN after carding a four-under-par 68 yesterday to go five under after two days for tied-19th.
“Those are the ones that are important to go and play as well. Coming and playing tournaments like this means a lot, especially out here in Bahrain, we have family over here so because of that you want to come over and support and play.
“This is my first time here and it’s been amazing.
“Playing events like this helps grow the game of golf, playing in different spots. I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Reed shared his thoughts about the The Royal Golf Club’s championship course and the additional challenge of the strong winds this week, as the players aim to continue posting low scores heading into the final 36 holes.
“These last two days, with how much the wind has been blowing and how the greens are relatively receptive but with the slopes that are on them, it just puts a premium on not only playing from the fairway, but hitting really quality iron shots,” he explained.
“There are very little full swing iron shots into these greens because you’re trying to keep the ball on top these little shelves and ridges.
“If you’re hitting it well, you can use those little ridges to bring it right to the hole and at the same time you can really attack.
“The golf course has low scores out there but you have to be on in order to do it.”
Of his four-under-par 68 from round two, which added to his one-under 71 on day one, Reed said: “It was better than yesterday.
“I feel like I’ve been doing a lot of things pretty well. I just need to see a couple more putts go in and tighten up the iron swings a little bit.
“I felt like I was out there grinding today, hitting the ball better and giving myself more opportunities. Dug myself a pretty big hole yesterday, so I’m just trying to climb back out of it.”
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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