Patrick Reed has been a lightning rod for as long as most golf fans can remember. Since winning the 2018 Masters, there have been dubious rules fiascos, allegations of X burner accounts, nine-figure lawsuits, a totaled Porsche and, of course, the big switch to LIV Golf. Amidst all of that, it has been easy to lose sight of the fact that Reed is a human being with good sides and bad sides just like all of us. Thankfully on Sunday at LIV Golf Dallas, we got a welcome glimpse of the good side.

After draining a lengthy birdie bomb on Maridoe’s 546-yard par-4 18th to defeat Louis Oosthuizen and Paul Casey in a three-way playoff, Reed explained how his daughter was the unlikely inspiration behind his decisive putt. Even though it’s easier to be grateful when you win than when you lose, Reed’s story is still a must-hear for all the dads out there.

With his first LIV individual trophy perched proudly in his lap, Reed told reporters that he was actually playing with daughter’s putter head on Sunday. When he looked down and saw his daughter’s name, Windsor Wells, inscribed on the putter, he had a simple, heartwarming thought:

“Come on, honey. We gotta make one today.”

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And they did. The win was Reed’s first in 41 tries since joining LIV Golf, and continued a run of solid golf for the former Ryder Cup hero. Reed finished solo third at the Masters, cracked the top 25 at Oakmont (including an historic albatross) and currently sits fourth in the LIV season standings with four top tens in 2025. Sunday’s win, and endearing dad moment, was proof that golf is more interesting when Patrick Reed is a main character. With the way he’s playing at the moment, it will be fascinating to see if Keegan Bradley agrees in a few weeks’ time.

Main image: Icon Sportswire

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