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From tee-gate to tree-gate, Patrick Reed is ranked No.1 in controversy

USA's Patrick Reed wearing LIV Golf branded clothing

Patrick Reed has responded to his latest controversy, describing it as a non-issue.

In the third round of the Dubai Desert Classic, Reed's tee shot on the 17th flew into the palm fronds, never to return. Armed with binoculars, the American claimed he identified his ball in the tree, allowing him a free drop.
But in some video analysis done by Golf Channel - which Reed is already suing by the way - analyst Brandel Chamblee found evidence that Reed's ball landed in a different tree to the one he claimed he saw it in.
This sparked more controversy, which Reed addressed in a tweet late on Tuesday…
"Some people love controversy," read his statement.
"But what happened on the 17th hole at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic was a non-issue. As the DP World Tour confirmed, I was not asked to identify the tree my ball struck (that was done by the ShotLink volunteers and several marshals), I was asked to describe the distinct markings on the ball I was playing."

The LIV Golf player even found an unlikely ally in the form of rival Rory McIlroy, who for reasons unknown, came out to bat for Reed, pointing to how the media had targeted him in the past.

The incident comes off the back of McIlroy completely icing Reed on the driving range last week in Dubai and getting a tee chucked in his direction as a result, which would turn out to be just another tumultuous chapter in their ongoing saga.

On Monday, the Northern Irishman stood over a difficult ten-foot putt to win the Dubai Desert Classic, but perhaps even more importantly, to avoid a playoff with Reed.

McIlroy drained it and celebrated with some added vigor, a release of tension which perhaps ended up inadvertently fueling his recent defence of Reed.

After all, those on the high ground shouldn't throw stones...

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