Patrick Reed has been accused and called a cheater since his college days. His most recent antics on the LIV Golf Bedminster, where he handpicked the golf ball in the dunes again got a lot of publicity. Throwback to a year ago, when the 2018 Masters winner finally shared his thoughts on his allegations and message to the fans.

The term has become synonymous with Patrick Reed himself due to charges of multiple rule violations on the PGA Tour. He was also accused of cheating and stealing from his University of Georgia colleagues in college.

However, the media and golf fans both occasionally twist the facts to fit their storylines, and Reed thinks he’s fallen victim to this. Nearly a year ago, the 31-year-old decided to refute the common belief that he’s a thief and a horrible guy by making a statement.

Patrick Reed lashes out at his haters

In 2021, Reed finished a Q&A with Golf Digest’s Max Adler for the publication’s cover story. Naturally, questions concerning the alleged cheating and whether the media had unfairly portrayed him over the years were raised, and Reed was frank in his response.

Reed believed a lot of comments have been misconstrued and unwarranted. The 33-year-old golfer then gave a rant about his haters. He said, “Being called a cheater. That’s so far from the truth. No athlete, no golfer who works to make it to the highest level is a cheater. If you take what you think is a correct drop, and it turns out to be an incorrect drop, that’s a rules infraction, and there’s a penalty.”

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Reed further added, “Cheating is intentionally trying to gain something on the field. I’d rather play as hard as I can and lose a golf tournament than cheat and win. When that word gets thrown around, whether it’s about you or someone else, that’s wrong, and it’s false. We’re out there, with blood, sweat and tears, trying to be the best we can and be role models.”

Patrick Reed ended by saying that he has had conversations with fellow golfers regarding this issue. According to him, they all preach on focusing on what you can control. Despite the high number of allegations against him, Reed still defends his antics.

With Reed finally having a new start at the LIV Golf, will he ever be able to overcome the allegations? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.

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