Patrick Reed moved to the top of the leaderboard at the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday, but his success comes with a financial sting. The former Masters champion faces fines from the DP World Tour each time he plays on the LIV Golf circuit, meaning any prize money he earns could be partially clawed back.
Reed, who lost an appeal against the sanctions in 2023, continues to compete on both tours despite the penalties. With LIV no longer covering fines for its members from the end of 2025, Reed has joked that making a profit will be difficult. 'I'd rather just tee it up and play,' he said. 'If it costs me this, that, whatever, so be it. I'm not going to allow that to deter me.'
His second round of 66 at the Emirates Club put him at nine under par, one clear of England's Andy Sullivan. Reed has history in Dubai, including a famous incident where he threw a tee peg at Rory McIlroy three years ago, before losing the title to the Northern Irishman.
McIlroy, who shot a 69 to sit at two under, remains confident of closing the gap. 'I think I came from 10 behind a couple of years ago to win,' he said. 'I'm seven back at the minute. If I post a low one tomorrow, I'll be right in the mix on Sunday.'
Tyrrell Hatton also shot a 69 to reach five under, while Reed's LIV teammate Dustin Johnson missed the cut. Danny Willett withdrew after an opening 76.
