Americans finally hustle into Fanling, and Patrick Reed is happy to lead the charge
The 25-year-old likes the Hong Kong galleries as he secures a top-10 finish
The cover of the yardage book in his hands is an American flag. There is little doubt; Patrick Reed is on the first tee box. When countryman Dustin Johnson missed the cut at the UBS Hong Kong Open, the 25-year-old Texan and world number 20 became the second highest ranked player in the field after number seven Justin Rose.
With all this talk of Johnson appearing for the first time in Hong Kong, Reed has been something of the forgotten American. But after a third round 65, he started the final day in fifth place at eight under par. Reed was perhaps the most passionate American player in last year’s Ryder Cup. Teamed with Jordan Spieth at Gleneagles, the pair were the sole shining light for a lacklustre US team. Reed went 3-0-1 and was not only the most patriotic American player, he was also happy to play the Uncle Sam foil for the European supporters to boo. Surely the American fans will be out in full throat to support him in Hong Kong.
There are a few Americans following but its muted applause, not chants of 'Yew-S-A' ringing through the air
Well, not quite. Teeing off four groups behind co-leaders Justin Rose and Lucas Bjerregaard, other than Reed’s yardage book there are no stars and stripes in sight. By the time he and playing partner, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, get away from the mobs hanging around the first tee box, their gallery shrinks significantly. There are a few Americans following but its muted applause, not chants of “Yew-S-A” ringing through the air.
“It’s good to see more American guys coming over now,” said Bryan Pruden, a native of Los Angeles who is following Reid and has lived in Hong Kong for three years. “We don’t get to see them that often in Asia, maybe in Shanghai. But it’s good to see them in Hong Kong playing a golf course that as the general public we also get to play a few times a year. I like Reed because he plays with passion. It’s good to see the fire. We don’t see that as much in players after Tiger has gone into his downward spiral. It’s nice to see someone show a little emotion.”
Said his friend, fellow American Michael Turner: “It’s nice to get Reed’s enthusiasm without the slapstick of John Daly, who has been representing us out here the past few years.”
The rest of the gallery is overwhelmingly local, with many enjoying the intimacy. “My wife and I found the gallery too big with Rose,” said Timothy Yang from Shenzhen who works in Hong Kong. “This is much better, we get to see a couple of world-class players up close and I like Patrick’s game.”