Patrick Reed has joked that it will be difficult to make a profit on the DP World Tour in 2026, as fines from the tour threaten to eat into his winnings. The former Masters champion currently leads the Dubai Desert Classic by one shot after a second round of 66 at the Emirates Club, putting him on nine under par.
Reed's membership of both the DP World and LIV circuits means he faces sanctions from the former every time he competes on the latter. He lost an appeal over the situation in 2023 but has continued to play on what was once the European Tour. It is understood that LIV will no longer pay fines on behalf of its members after the end of 2025.
“It is a really fluid one depending on how much it is because it also depends where the event is,” Reed said. “We haven’t played an event yet that we would be fined so we don’t know really what it entails for this year. If it happens to be where I’m being fined and having to pay fines to play out here, so be it.”
Reed has previous for drama in Dubai, having thrown a tee peg at Rory McIlroy here three years ago before being edged out for the title. Asked about a potential reunion with McIlroy, Reed said with a smile: “I guess I need to put my hand out, break the ice. Or maybe he needs to throw one at me.”
McIlroy, who shot 69 to sit on two under, said: “I think I came from 10 behind a couple of years ago to win. I’m seven back at the minute. If I go out there tomorrow, maybe in slightly better conditions in the morning and post a low one, then I’ll be right in the mix come Sunday.”
