Al Mazrovia, Bahrain — patrick reedHis bid for back-to-back titles on the European Tour got underway on Sunday when the 436th-ranked was defeated in a playoff. freddy shott For his first title.
Reed bogeyed the first playoff hole, eliminating him from the three-man tournament Callum Hill.
The 24-year-old shot to victory on the second playoff hole when Hill hit his drive out of bounds, hitting his fourth shot into the water and handing out his German rival, who was on the green in three shots.
“Very happy, surprised. I don’t know what’s happening right now,” said Schott, who was clearly battling nerves as he attempted to end his title drought five years after turning professional.
Reed was looking for a second consecutive win after last Sunday’s Dubai Desert Classic, to complete a stormy week in which he also announced he was leaving LIV Golf with the aim of returning to the PGA Tour.
Ten shots off the lead at the weekend, the American shot 6-under 66 on Saturday and 67 on Sunday to close at 17-under par. He was tied for the lead in the final round after taking a shot at No. 14 for his third consecutive birdie, but played the last four holes at 1 over.
Shott (69) bogeyed No. 17, and Hill (71), who was leading after the second and third rounds, three-putted for bogey at No. 18 as they joined Reed in a playoff watched by Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the Royal Golf Club.
Hill was looking for his third win on the tour.
Reed has said he is playing a full European Tour schedule this season heading into the Qatar Masters next week. He is trying to regain PGA Tour status as one of the leading 10 players in the Race to Dubai.
