Patrick Reed hailed as 'huge boost' for DP World Tour ahead of Aberdeen appearance

The 2018 Masters champion, who leads the season-long points battle from record-chasing Rory McIlroy after turning his attention to the DP World Tour following a decision to become the first big name to leave LIV Golf, is the star attraction in this week’s Nexo Championship.

Reed has committed to a run of five straight events on the circuit, starting with the $3 million tournament at Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire, and, according to local man David Law, it’s terrific to see the world No 32 in the line up.

“I think, ultimately, he’s been a huge boost for the tour this season,” said Law, one of 15 Scots in the field for the concluding event on the circuit’s Closing Swing before it heads into the Back 9. “He’s shown his class by leading the Order of Merit.

“You know, he’s a big name, a major champion and he’s achieved great things in the game. So, to have him here at this event is massive for the tournament and to have played all season has been good for the tour as well.”

Reed, who is focusing on the DP World Tour for the time being rather than looking to secure invitations for PGA Tour events once he’s eligible for the US circuit again in a few weeks’ time, is joining forces with the Murrays - Judy, Andy and Jamie - in Wednesday’s Celebrity Pro-Am, a new addition to the tournament at Donald Trump’s resort north of Aberdeen.

“I feel good about it - it is going to be fun and it’s exciting,” admitted Reed, smiling. “You know, to play with a legend and superstar in a different sport is always going to be fun. It is going to be fun to watch a guy hit a ball that is staying still and not moving (laughing). You would think it might be easier, but we will see.”

The Murrays, all keen golfers, are playing the front nine on the Old Course at Menie Estate with Reed before two-time DP World Tour winner Eddie Pepperell takes over as the professional in the star grouping on the back nine.

“I’ve seen Andy playing tennis a lot on TV,” added Reed. “I went to Wimbledon once, but he wasn’t playing that day. My wife and I and also my mother-in-law watch a lot of tennis on TV and to watch him play was always impressive. Seeing what they are putting their bodies through but, at the same time, have that effortless power and also have those soft touches is something that we try to relate to out on a golf course.”

Judy, who, like Andy, has played in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am at Wentworth in the past, and Jamie had committed to this week’s fun event when it was first announced, with Andy, who plays off a 0.3 handicap, only being confirmed on Monday.

“I’d be more nervous if I was the sons playing because you don’t want mom to beat you,” said Reed, laughing. “That’s going to be one of those where I’ll see how it starts early on and I’ll see if I am having to rally the boys or having to rally mom to take care of the boys.”