Patrick Reed the time-zone hopper

US Tour

bruced
November 30, 2018

Patrick Reed plays enough events to keep his PGA and European Tour cards and still remains competitive despite the travel.

The American was in contention just a couple weeks ago at the European Tour finale at the DP World Tour Championship, finishing runner-up to Danny Willett. The result saw him earn second place in the prestigious Race to Dubai, his best finish on the Tour across the pond.

While the travel is quite demanding, Reed is adamant the experience has made him a better golfer.

“One thing I’ve learned how to do with flying overseas and playing on the European Tour for four years now is learn how to adapt very quickly,” the 28-year-old told pgatour.com.

“Kind of get on the right time zones and kind of time the times you’re trying to sleep on the flights to match up with the next place.

“Once Sunday’s over, it’s all about getting ready and to physically and mentally be ready…by Wednesday because then I can use Wednesday as a day to really make sure things are where they need to be.”

And it shows, as Reed signed for a seven under 65 in the opening round of the Hero World Challenge on Thursday to finish at the top of leaderboard with fellow countryman Patrick Cantlay.

Patrick Reed made eight birdies and one bogey on Thursday.

Highlights from his 6-under 65 at the Hero World Challenge.: pic.twitter.com/tJBWVUpN0I

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) November 30, 2018

Being the swansong of 2018, Reed is happy to take in the sights and sounds of the picturesque Bahamas setting before getting back to the grind in January.

“Last event of the year, kind of one of those relaxing-type events,” he continued.

“Only have 18 guys, but at the same time it allows you to kind of get in that mode of seeing how your game is for the four weeks you’re going to have off until Hawaii.”