Even when Patrick Reed is innocent he's still accused of cheating

Patrick Reed caught the attention of a few golf fans again when he was wiping the face of his wedge at the Genesis Invitational.

Ben Smith

19 Feb 2022

Even when Patrick Reed is innocent he's still accused of cheating

Disclaimer: there is absolutely nothing in this. And yet, Patrick Reed still raised suspicions whilst playing at Riviera.

Playing the Genesis Invitational, hosted by Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour, Reed stepped up to hit a short pitch shot.

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The only questionable thing here - in my humble opinion - is the choice of clothing. That's an interesting shirt, Patrick.

Well, Viktor Hovland decided to wear some lightning pants at Riv so we can hardly call your style in question.

But back on topic, and Reed was snapped wiping the face of his wedge using his pocket. One fan thought he was up to something.

I have suspicions every time I see this lad on the box but why does this feel like applying substance to the face of the club for grip???? @PGATOUR @BenColeyGolf @AlanShipnuck @firepitstories #GenesisInvitational pic.twitter.com/BYiXVhkIst
— Russell Fleming (@russell_fleming) February 17, 2022

pic.twitter.com/Vo1QExOMOS
— Russell Fleming (@russell_fleming) February 17, 2022

Reed shot 77-71 to miss the cut in Los Angeles. He was a number of big names who missed the weekend, including Brooks Koepka.

Dustin Johnson also missed the cut as Joaquinn Niemman raced into a 36-hole lead with a new scoring record.

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Viktor Hovland's lightning pants

If we're going full on detective mode it looks like Reed has grabbed something out of his pocket. But still, we're clutching at straws.

It led to a lively debate. Even self-confessed Reed haters leapt to his defence. "He's cleaning his club, get a new slant", one said.

Why would you ever want to mess up the face of your wedge .. that makes no sense .. I’ve seen the sunscreen driver trick but wedges cmon..
— Todd Halpen (@GolfProYYC) February 19, 2022

It's cuz he's not putting anything on the wedge, he's just wiping the club on his pocket liner so he doesn't get his white pants dirty
— Jerry Parker (@VegasLineShark) February 19, 2022

Hey, buddy, he’s cleaning off the face. Find a new slant.
— Persian Gulf FACTS (@UsedGolfFacts) February 19, 2022

He has to reach into his pocket twice to clean the club face?
— Rob Welsch (@rjw19343) February 19, 2022

he’s grabbing the fabric on the inside of his pocket, pulling it out, wiping the face, and then putting it back in
— Persian Gulf FACTS (@UsedGolfFacts) February 19, 2022

Took a practice swing, got dirt on the bottom of the face. You don’t hand your club back to your caddy after that to clean the face and restart the whole routine. You just wipe the dirt and go. He’s wearing white pants.
— Deuces (@jmb_2s) February 19, 2022

I watch a lot of golf, have no love for PR ... and also think this is the most likely explanation. Just a pocket clean.
— Don Light (@light_don) February 19, 2022

If he’s not cheating, that’s the most psycho way to clean a club I’ve ever seen
— 3Wiggle (@WiggleThree) February 19, 2022

I’m not saying it’s anything, but I’m not saying it’s nothing. It’s Reed, so suspicion is warranted. If it’s anyone else, I wouldn’t even blink at it. BUT, it’s not someone else, it’s Reed, so all eyes on the pocket and let the questions commence.
— Jeff Nelson (@jeffnelson3344) February 19, 2022

While amateurs often assume pro players want that spinny shot, the reality is that often players are trying to make the ball spin less because it's more predictable. With their speed and contact, the ball will already have more than enough grip, they really don't need help there.
— ChristianThomson (@Christi54063719) February 19, 2022

He shot +6 through 2 rounds this weekend. I don't think he's cheating lmao he's clearly cleaning the club face with the inside of his pocket to avoid getting his white pants dirty on the outside. Leave poor Patty alone lol
— $hyCity⁶ (@freeyourmindbro) February 19, 2022