Patrick Reed has joined a very elite group of American golfers that have been named honorary life-time members of the European Tour.
Reed, who has played in several European Tour events – 2 in 2019 alone – over the course of his career, won his first major last season at the Masters. However, when you look at the other Americans who have been awarded this honor, he stands out as the odd-ball.
Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson are the three others.
Nope, not even Tiger is on the list.
Here’s what the European Tour said on their website about the decision.
He was presented with Honorary Life Membership by European Tour Chief Executive Keith Pelley at the Saudi International powered by SBIA, where he is making his second European Tour appearance of the 2019 season after November’s Honma Hong Kong Open presented by Amundi.
Reed is the 55th player to receive European Tour Honorary Life Membership, joining Molinari, who received the prestigious commendation in December in recognition of his maiden Major Championship at Carnoustie.
The 28 year old is only the fourth American to receive the honour, joining Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson, who have all been recognised since John Jacobs, the founding father of the European Tour, became the first recipient in 1978.
What?
This literally makes no sense, but Reed accepted the honor because, why wouldn’t he.
“Words can’t really describe how proud I am right now. It’s always been a dream of mine to be a worldwide player and play on both Tours. Now, to be able to fulfill that on the European Tour, and to travel the world and grow the game means so much to me.
“For the European Tour to have faith in me and give me this opportunity means everything. I hope to show everyone and show the Tour how proud I am and represent the Tour really well in the game of golf.
“It’s such an honor to be named alongside Jack, Arnold and Tom. They are legends of the game of golf, not just because of what they’ve done on the golf course, but because what they’ve done off the golf course. They have helped grow the game and grow their communities. That’s something I’m trying to do, to follow in their footsteps and grow the game of golf. I want to do it worldwide like those guys. To be part of such a small group is unbelievable and it’s hard to even talk about.”
Good for you Patrick, but you definitely aren’t in a league with the other three Americans on this list. You’re not even on the same planet. All three of these guys were loved by both their peers and fans alike while it’s hard to find anyone who speaks positively about you other than the fact that you are a good enough golfer to have won one major in your career.
European Tour Chief Executive had high praise for Reed…
Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “Patrick’s masterful performance at Augusta National last April was full of character and determination, which is everything we’ve come to expect from him.
“Winning the Green Jacket meant he took his place among some of the game’s great players and we are delighted to give him further recognition with Honorary Life Membership of the European Tour, becoming just the fourth American after Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson to receive this prestigious award.
“Patrick is a global player who has fully embraced the European Tour and he has been extremely popular with our fans wherever he has played because of that.”
I’m seriously at a loss for words.
How does this guy deserve this honor? What has he done that justifies this achievement that Tiger Woods hasn’t done?
The European Tour continues to amaze. From their stance on Saudi Arabia to this, what is going on across the pond?