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Tournaments

‘What a crock of s—‘: New videos add context to Patrick Reed’s rules dispute

Dylan DethierBy Dylan Dethier
March 20, 2018

A controversial rules decision involving Patrick Reed during the final round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational tore through the internet on Monday when Reed told the rules official “I guess my name needs to be Jordan Spieth” to get the ruling. But on Tuesday, a string of four videos from Florida St. grad and API attendee Tyler Soughers tell the full story behind the ruling. Here they are, in order:

“I got y’all’s tower in my way,” he tells the rules official in the first video, explaining that while he doesn’t have much of a play, he has “somewhat of a backswing” to play with.

“This tower is definitely in my way,” he lobbies in the second video, claiming that he does, in fact, have a backswing. The rules official, unimpressed, goes to get a second opinion at Reed’s request.

Upon the arrival of the second official, Reed resumes his case. “Yeah, Patrick, I don’t see it,” the official says. “I can’t believe y’all don’t — really?” Reed says. “I have the backswing.”

This is where it got a little spicy. A woman’s voice from off-screen chimes in. “Anyone else would get a drop out of there any day of the week.”

“I guess my name needs to be Jordan Spieth, guys,” Reed responds.

That remark in particular seems to set the rules official off, and he steps away. “Patrick, you’re going to play away.” Reed then asks for a third opinion, but doesn’t seem serious about the request, as he moves to play his next shot.

After holding court with two different officials Reed essentially has to attempt the shot, and succeeds in advancing the ball forward — though not very far. “Hey, where is he?” Reed asks with glee, summoning the rules official again. This time, relief is granted from the cable beside him and from the tower.

Reed takes his drop, picks up the tee marking his previous spot, and comes back to his ball with a pointed remark. “What a crock of s—,” he says, to laughter.

Reed then pitches the ball down to 22 feet. He would two-putt from there for a double bogey 6 and went on to finish T8 at eight under par.