McGinley takes issue with "disrespectful" DPWT claim after Reed's latest win

Former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley fired back at what he considered a "disrespectful" claim after Patrick Reed clinched his second DP World Tour title of the season. 

Reed, 35, continued his fine form at Doha Golf Club last week with a two-shot victory over Scotland's Calum Hill at the Qatar Masters. 

It followed his comfortable victory at the Dubai Desert Classic and was only a week after he was defeated in a play-off at the Bahrain Championship.

Reed has now moved to back inside the top 20 of the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time since the 2021 Tour Championship. 

The 2018 Masters champion has also emerged as Rory McIlroy's main threat as the Northern Irishman attempts to claim a record-equalling eighth Race to Dubai title. 

One X user questioned "how bad" the DPWT is following Reed's latest victory. 

"Reed hops over there and wins twice and finishes second in another," the user wrote. 

"Either Reed is one of the best in the world (he might be) or the DP World Tour has really taken a dive with talent. What is it?"

McGinley took issue, describing the claim as "disrespectful". 

"Look at his performances on DPWT last year finishing 28th on the money list despite playing 10 events plus the majors," wrote McGinley. 

"He's a world class player who's hot at the moment. Also, he's buoyed by the surprise & ease he's allowed back to PGAT."

McGinley was referring to the fact Reed followed Brooks Koepka out the door at LIV Golf in January. 

Koepka has already played two PGA Tour events but Reed will have to wait until the Genesis Scottish Open in July at the earliest to make his return to the American circuit. 

"It's not an enviable situation"

McGinley also appeared to confirm a rumour that the DPWT is currently in talks with several LIV Golf players to resolve their outstanding fines. 

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have been fined heavily for competing in conflicting LIV Golf events whilst remaining members of the European-based tour. 

Both players have appealed their sanctions and the case is yet to be heard. 

It is understood both players will be unsuccessful and will be faced with having to pay up to remain eligible for the 2027 Ryder Cup. 

However, in recent weeks there have been several reports the fines will be dropped for 2026. 

DPWT officials have remained tight-lipped on the rumour, with a spokesperson only confirming to bunkered last week that they are having "continuous dialogue with individual members involved to explore and discuss options". 

Former world number one Lee Westwood told McGinley on X: "What we both know is that it's hard to win any tournament on the European Tour and P. Reed is undoubtedly a world class golfer thats comfortable when in contention. 

"What will be interesting is watching the ET doing deals with individual LIV players to come back and strengthen their fields whilst not p----- off the PGA tour and compromising that 100 million dollars of funding that they're going to have to fork out at the end of the year! 

"Bet you're glad you’re not on that DPWT board anymore!"

McGinley replied: "It's not an enviable situation for DPWT Westy. 

"But I've confidence in a very capable board to find the path forward. 

"LIV arrived in an already crowded space for top-player participation, forcing us to align. 

"The PGAT offered a superior, lower-risk option for remaining players."