Race to Dubai: Patrick Reed chokes away title on final holes

Patrick Reed had the Race to Dubai title in his grasp on Sunday until a tragic couple of holes late in his round cost him dearly.

Patrick Reed had a chance to make history on Sunday at the DP World Tour Championship. Reed was in a three-way tie for the lead with 18 holes to play, a position that would have earned him the Road to Dubai title.

If Reed were to win the Race for Dubai, the European Tour’s playoffs, he would become the first American to claim the title. That was a piece of history that was within Reed’s grasp as his Sunday round started.

More from European tour

In fact, for most of the day, Reed appeared to be on his way to winning both the DP World Tour Championship and the Road to Dubai titles. Despite trouble off the tee, Reed was scrambling well enough to keep the lead.

But with three holes to play and Reed still in the hunt, things fell apart for the 30-year-old American and former Masters champion.

Coming off a birdie at the 15th hole, Reed was unable to keep the momentum going on the 16th. He would record a bogey, his third of the day at that point, to slip behind eventual winner Matthew Fitzpatrick.

Then on the 17th, Reed’s fate was determined. He missed the green on the par three and was not able to get up and down. His bogey dropped him to 1-under on his round and, at that point, out of the event as well as the Race to Dubai title.

Reed battled back to birdie the 18th hole, but it was too late. Reed would tie Viktor Hovland for third place for the tournament, finishing two shots behind Fitzpatrick.

dark. Next. Tony Finau Being Sued for Nearly $16 million

Lee Westwood finished in second place, which was also good enough to give him the Race to Dubai title. Fitzpatrick would finish second and Reed third.

It was a disappointing finish for Reed, who had set his sights on claiming the title this season. It was within his grasp until late on Sunday, when he was unable to finish.

Home/European tour