Golf never forgets! And who knows it better than Tiger Woods himself? But even with a Masters title and a storied career, Patrick Reed had also faced his fair share of backlash.

His talent is undeniable but despite his impressive resume, he’s been scrutinized by the media for years, many labeling him as uncooperative and divisive. Now, as he gets ready to tee off at Greenbrier, Captain America shares his side of the story.

In the LIV Golf Greenbrier edition of Heng Time, Patrick Reed opened up about the false image the media displays. The 34-year-old said, “ I’m basically complete opposite of what is always written and what the media says, I love to have a great time. I’m always, you know, out there with everybody, and, you know, just being true to who I am.” He emphasized that he simply wants to be understood and to be accepted for who he truly is, and not who he’s being portrayed as.

But what really gets lost in the media’s narrative is his compassionate side. “I feel like I’m a great father, a great husband, and a great friend,” he said proudly. “I’m always there for the guys… it’s never about me, it’s about ‘Hey, what can I do for you? How can I help you?’” This selfless attitude is something that resonates deeply with Reed, and it’s a quality that he believes is often overlooked by the media.

Moreover, for Reed, the desire to make a positive impact extends beyond his relationships. He sees his involvement with LIV Golf as an opportunity to give back and make a difference. He said, “You know, when you’re playing 31-35 weeks a year, it’s hard to help the people that actually need it… giving your time and being there for people is something that’s really important to me.” His sentiment challenges the conventional thinking about his persona. And he hopes that one day he will redefine his public image.

In 2015, Tiger Woods also faced backlash for missing a single post-round interview. The media didn’t like that and they targeted him. As the golf legend puts it, in 2023, “I think it was eight years ago, where I never missed a post-round interview. And the first time I did, they crucified me.” However, he does not despise the media but believes there’s a good of them too.

But what about Reed’s own controversies? Let’s look at what’s been said about him.

Patrick Reed’s history of controversy

Patrick Reed’s career has been marred by allegations of dishonesty and rule-breaking. One notable incident occurred during his college days when his teammates suspected him of stealing a watch, putter, and cash from the locker room. However, he had denied the accusations, but the damage to his reputation had already been done.

His on-course behavior had also raised eyebrows in the past. He was accused of cheating, shaving strokes off his scorecards, and manipulating the lie of his ball. While he’s denied wrongdoing, the frequency of these incidents has led to a lingering perception of dishonesty. From a two-match suspension at Augusta State to a two-stroke penalty at the 2019 Hero World Classic, his actions have consistently sparked controversy.