LIV Golf commentator Jerry Foltz has doubled down on a controversial opinion he holds about former Masters champ Patrick Reed.
It’s been an eventful start to 2025 for Reed after he made an iconic hole-in-one in Adelaide, sparking wild scenes on The Grange’s 12th hole. The Texan eventually finished in a tie for 37th.
Reed’s move to LIV in 2022 potentially came at a good time. The one-time major winner was shrouded by controversy during his PGA Tour career. Reed was accused of cheating back in 2019 in the lead-up to the Presidents Cup in Melbourne.
While representing the USA, Reed was subject to abuse from Australian fans. The ridicule came after Cam Smith publicly claimed the Texan deserved criticism for his actions.
However, during the recent LIV Golf Adelaide event, Reed was a popular figure among those at The Grange. Clearly, he will split opinions for the duration of his career.
Jerry Foltz controversial Patrick Reed claim
Foltz, speaking on a recent podcast appearance, has doubled down on his opinion of Reed and insisted golf fans always pay attention when he takes to the course.
“It was nice to see him celebrating because it wasn’t that long ago at the Presidents Cup where the crowd… now granted a biased crowd pulling for the International team against the Americans, different situation. But the crowd was really tough on him,” Foltz said.
“I enjoyed it because I have taken a lot of grief for saying that the fans loved Patrick Reed when he signed for us. Certain podcasters have routinely reminded people that I said that. But the fact is, and I will take this to my grave, fans love Patrick Reed.
“They don’t turn off the TV when he is playing. Some love to hate him, and others love to cheer for him. But they don’t turn off the TV when Patrick Reed is playing, and there are so many players in professional golf you can not say that about the overwhelming majority of players, you cannot say that about. That was an awesome moment, and he was celebrated by the crowd.”
What Patrick Reed said about LIV Golf Adelaide crowds
After Reed was the villain during the 2019 Presidents Cup, it appears the Australian crowds have forgiven and potentially forgotten about the Texan’s past misdemeanours. What’s more, during the Adelaide event, Reed even had some kind words for the patrons.
“If somebody makes a hole-in-one on a hole like that, you expect just craziness and chaos, and it was. The great thing, I felt like everyone did it the right way,” Reed said. “No one got hurt, which is good. You just never know with stuff flying around out there. I was glad to kind of go ahead and get out there and give them something that they wanted.”
Reed will take to the course next on March 7, when LIV Golf’s Hong Kong event starts at Fanling. The breakaway league then heads to Singapore the following week. LIV stops in Florida for the Miami tournament, which takes place just a week before the Masters Tournament.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
