Patrick Reed Climbs Leaderboard with Stellar 67 in Bahrain
In the sun-drenched sands of Bahrain, the European Tour's Bahrain Championship is heating up, and American golfer Patrick Reed is making waves. Fresh off his victory at the Dubai Desert Classic and his dramatic departure from LIV Golf, Reed carded a impressive 5-under 67 in the second round on Friday, propelling himself into contention at Al Mazrowiah Golf Club.
Reed's Resurgent Round: Seven Birdies Fuel the Climb
Patrick Reed, the 2018 Masters champion, entered the second round tied for 22nd but emerged with a performance that echoed his early-career dominance. His 67 featured seven birdies and just two bogeys, showcasing the precision and aggression that defined his breakout years on the PGA Tour. Playing the North Course—a layout known for its challenging winds and pristine fairways—Reed navigated the conditions masterfully, sinking key putts on the par-5s and capitalizing on shorter par-4s.
This strong showing comes at a pivotal moment for Reed. Just days after announcing his exit from LIV Golf on Wednesday, the 35-year-old is committing to the European Tour for the remainder of 2026. His goal? Rack up enough points in the Race to Dubai to secure full PGA Tour status for 2027. "It's all about building momentum," Reed said post-round, his Texas drawl carrying a mix of relief and determination. Analysts see this as a strategic masterstroke, blending the lucrative European schedule with a pathway back to America's premier circuit.
The Course That Tests the Best
Al Mazrowiah Golf Club, host to the Bahrain Championship since 2014, is a Robert Trent Jones Jr. design that blends desert resilience with modern luxury. The North Course, in play for this event, stretches over 7,200 yards with water hazards and palm-lined greens that demand accuracy. Winds off the Persian Gulf can turn a birdie opportunity into a bogey nightmare, but Reed's ball-striking kept him steady. His approach play was particularly sharp, ranking among the top in the field for proximity to the hole.
Calum Hill's Record-Breaking Lead: 11 Birdies, Zero Bogeys
While Reed climbs, Scotland's Calum Hill is soaring. The 27-year-old unleashed a blistering 11-under 61 in the second round—no bogeys, just pure firepower—vaulting him to 16-under for the tournament. Hill now leads by four shots over Germany's Freddy Schott, who fired a 67 to sit at 12-under. Schott, a rising star on the Challenge Tour, birdied five of his last seven holes to stay in the hunt, but Hill's flawless round set a new course record and evoked memories of classic European Tour explosions.
Hill's dominance isn't surprising; he's been a consistent performer in the Middle East swing, with top-10s in recent Dubai events. "The greens were pure today," Hill noted, crediting his hot putter for the 11 birdies. As the leaderboard tightens, expect pressure to mount—especially with Reed lurking 10 strokes back in a tie for 22nd.
Other Contenders in the Mix
Beyond the top duo, the field is stacked with talent eyeing the $2.5 million purse. Sergio Garcia, another LIV Golf alum, trails by four after a steady 68, while young guns like Germany's Yannik Paul add intrigue. Reed's position puts him in striking distance if the leaders falter over the weekend, but he'll need more of Friday's magic to close the gap.
Reed's LIV Exit: A Bold Bet on Legacy
Reed's move from LIV Golf isn't just a round-by-round story—it's a narrative of redemption and reinvention. Joining LIV in 2022 for its massive guarantees, Reed won twice but faced criticism for sidelining his major aspirations. Now, with LIV's team format behind him, he's embracing the grind of stroke play. His Dubai win last Sunday—a playoff thriller over Rory McIlroy—signaled his readiness, and Bahrain feels like the next chapter.
Experts like Golf Channel's Brandel Chamblee praise the shift: "Reed's talent was never in question; it's about consistency and visibility." By targeting the Race to Dubai's top 10 for PGA cards, Reed could rejoin peers like Bryson DeChambeau, who navigated a similar path. However, challenges loom—European fields are deep, and points are hard-earned. Still, at 10-under after two rounds, Reed's averaging 68.5, a pace that could propel him into the top 10 by Sunday.
Bahrain's Growing Golf Scene
The Bahrain Championship isn't just a tournament; it's a showcase for the Kingdom's rising sports profile. Since partnering with the European Tour, Bahrain has hosted elite events, drawing 50,000 fans annually and boosting tourism. With Formula 1's Grand Prix nearby, the island nation positions itself as a Middle East sports hub. This year's edition, amid regional tensions, underscores golf's unifying power—players from 20 countries competing under Bahrain's flag.
Weekend Outlook: Can Reed Mount a Charge?
As rounds three and four unfold, weather forecasts predict lighter winds, favoring aggressors like Reed. Hill's lead is substantial, but history is littered with comebacks—think Henrik Stenson's 2016 Open mastery. For bettors, Reed at +2500 for the win offers value, per DraftKings odds. Viewers in the US can catch coverage on Golf Channel, starting Saturday at 2 a.m. ET.
Patrick Reed's Bahrain surge isn't just about a 67; it's a statement. In a sport fractured by tours and allegiances, his journey back to the PGA via Europe captivates. Whether he lifts the trophy or not, Reed's back—and golf fans are watching.
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