Golf world explodes over detail in Patrick Reed photo at The Open
American golf star Patrick Reed has once again shown why he is the most controversial player on tour after blatantly trolling the PGA at the British Open by wearing LIV logos on his apparel.
The prestigious British Open teed off on Thursday amidst a huge fracture in the golf world over a number of top players defecting to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf league.
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While the PGA Tour has attempted to block a number of LIV Golf defectors from playing, it hasn't stopped the British Open allowing stars such as Phil Mickelson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson from lining up at the 150th event.
The British Open pre-tournament press conference didn't feature a single LIV golfer in a poignant sign of the division amongst players and tournament.
This has resulted in a number of players keeping their heads down and focusing on golf - but not Reed.
The controversial golfer pulled off one of his biggest stunts to date when he was spotted teeing off in apparel dripping with LIV Golf logos.
Reed's brazen attempt to troll the PGA Tour, media and fans received a mixed reaction from spectators.
Many fans felt Reed doubling down only cemented his spot as the most divisive golfer on tour.
While others couldn't help share a laugh at the blatant dig at the hierarchy.
I've never cared for Patrick Reed. He's just not the kind of guy most people root for.
But I respect his balls. He's ALL IN. 😂 https://t.co/xCsQKZNaRO— Eric Bickel (@EBJunkies) July 13, 2022
Do you think Patrick Reed plays for LIV Golf? I can't tell pic.twitter.com/4dXy3aWvID
— Kendall Baker (@kendallbaker) July 13, 2022
Haha Patrick Reed going full heel. Gotta love it https://t.co/lgf3dowf4b
— Mark Weber (@Weber674) July 13, 2022
Patrick Reed wearing a LIV Golf hat for opening round at the home of golf is trolling of the highest order #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/FDA9YK6IBa
— Andrew McCormack (@_AMcCormack7) July 14, 2022
Patrick Reed confirms himself as golfings biggest flog #TheOpen #LIVhatgate
— Sam Chamberlain (@sammychambo18) July 14, 2022
Patrick Reed trolling everyone in his LIV Golf hat at #150thopen pic.twitter.com/XhEXHW1A39
— Ben Cameron (@BenCameron23) July 14, 2022
Patrick Reed gritting his teeth and touching his little LIV cap to what in his mind is no doubt applause as a crowd half-boos him is basically a microcosm of Patrick Reed's life.
— Coby DuBose | DuBose Defense (@DuBoseDefense) July 14, 2022
While he made headlines for his sponsor, Reed didn't have the best day on the course, finishing the opening round tied for 55th at par.
The American wasn't the only LIV golfer to make headlines.
British star Ian Poulter was initially booed when teeing off for the day, before hearing the cheers again after rolling in a 150-footer for an eagle on the par-four ninth.
Tiger Woods struggles as Cameron Smith enjoys best start
American Cameron Young shot an opening eight-under 64 to grab the early clubhouse lead at the 150th British Open.
Claret Jug favourite Rory McIlroy was on the charge as golfers, including Australian star Cameron Smith, attacked a defenceless Old Course in Thursday's first round.
However, golf icon Tiger Woods suffered a horrible start on his British Open return.
The 46-year-old is now facing the almost inevitable ignominy of missing successive British Open cuts for the first time in his grand career.
An ailing and ageing Woods hobbled around the Old Course in Thursday's first round to be languishing in equal 148th spot in the 156-man field.
Seventeen years after joining Jack Nicklaus as the only two-time Open winner around St Andrews in more than a century, Woods chalked up five bogeys and two doubles on his self-proclaimed "favourite course" in the world.
with AAP
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