Patrick Reed handed Ryder Cup olive branch: "Patrick and I will have that conversation"

United States Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk has revealed he is prepared to let bygones be bygones and welcome Patrick Reed back to the team.

Reed has not played in the biennial contest since Furyk's side were dismantled by Thomas Bjorn's Europe at Le Golf National in 2018.

In the immediate aftermath of defeat, Reed criticised Furyk over the decision not to pair him with Jordan Spieth, despite the duo forging a successful partnership together at Hazeltine two years prior.

It later emerged that Spieth had asked Furyk not to be paired with Reed, as the three-time major winner preferred to partner his good friend Justin Thomas.

Reed later admitted he felt "blindsided" by Furyk's decision and also described it as "not smart" to sit him out of the foursomes.

The former Masters champion played alongside Tiger Woods in the fourballs, but they lost both of their matches.

Reed did salvage some personal pride with a 3&2 victory over Tyrrell Hatton in the singles, but Team USA lost 17½-10½.

Reed will return to the PGA Tour next year, having won twice on the European-based circuit this season.

And there is every chance he could make a run at the US team and qualify automatically.

Furyk told Telegraph Sport that he is simply looking to have the strongest team possible.

"If Patrick Reed is one of those, that's great," Furyk said.

"It's been a long time since he's been in our team room and, yeah, you know, Patrick and I will have that conversation.

"I'm looking forward to welcoming our best team of 12."

Reed did not play in the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits, when Steve Stricker's side inflicted a heavy 10-point defeat on Padraig Harrington's Europe.

He was also overlooked for the team two years later in Italy, and his move to LIV Golf likely contributed to the snub.

If Reed does return to the fold, he will be expected to attend a reconnaissance trip to Adare Manor two months before the 2027 Ryder Cup.

"I expect everyone to make their best effort to be here," he said.

"But I do expect a lot of folks to be here and on-site, and I'm looking forward to it.

"I want them to see the golf course. We had a pretty good turnout back in '18, as well, for Le Golf National in the summer. But I'm looking for a bigger out-turn this time."

Elsewhere, Europe's preparations are going well.

Spain's Eugenio Chacarra completed his third win of the season at the weather-affected DP World India Championship.

In the immediate aftermath of victory, the 26-year-old said he was desperate to grab one of six automatic qualifying spots for Donald's side.