In a blistering assessment that will send shockwaves through American golf, controversial star Patrick Reed has declared the United States' Ryder Cup team got exactly what they deserved in their humiliating defeat to Europe.
The 2018 Masters champion, now a flagship player on the Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, has been frozen out of the American setup since his big-money move. Watching from the sidelines as Luke Donald's European side secured a convincing 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome, Reed believes the result was a direct consequence of ignoring the world-class talent available on the rival circuit.
A Stark Warning from the Sidelines
'Until they include guys that are playing on LIV, they're going to have a tough time,' Reed stated unequivocally. His comments highlight the deepening rift between the established PGA Tour and the breakaway league, suggesting the US team's selection policy is fundamentally flawed.
Reed, known as 'Captain America' for his previous fiery Ryder Cup performances, pointed to the inclusion of Brooks Koepka – the sole LIV golfer on the US team – as a lone beacon of success. Koepka was one of the few American players to deliver a points-winning performance, a fact Reed uses to bolster his argument.
The Koepka Conundrum: A Blueprint for Success?
'Brooks is a perfect example,' Reed explained. 'He's one of the best players in the world, he's on LIV, and he was one of our best players there. It shows you need your best guys, regardless of where they play.'
This stance sets the stage for a major confrontation ahead of the 2025 matches at Bethpage Black. Reed's warning is clear: continue to ostracise LIV's elite players, and expect more disappointment on golf's most intense team stage.
The American defeat in Rome marks a painful 30-year wait for a victory on European soil, a statistic that will only add fuel to Reed's fiery critique. His intervention turns up the heat on the US PGA and team officials, framing the selection debate as a matter of patriotic necessity rather than tour loyalty.
The Future of American Golf Hangs in the Balance
With the next Ryder Cup being held on home turf in New York, the pressure on Team USA to end their barren away streak is immense. Reed’s comments ensure that the controversy over player selection will dominate the build-up, creating a narrative of division that European captain Luke Donald will be all too happy to exploit.
Reed’s message is a calculated and public challenge to the American golfing establishment. It questions whether tradition and tour politics will continue to outweigh the simple desire to field the strongest possible twelve-man team, regardless of their employer.
One thing is certain: the road to Bethpage Black just got a lot more complicated for Team USA.
