Former PGA Tour player and commentator Colt Knost recently discussed the reasons for his diminished respect for Patrick Reed during the 2018 Ryder Cup. The event took place at Le Golf National near Paris, where Reed represented the United States for the third time. Prior to this, he had an impressive Ryder Cup record of 6-1-1 and remained undefeated in singles matches.
Reed’s Controversial Partnerships
As the tournament unfolded, U.S. captain Jim Furyk faced challenges in pairing Reed with teammates. Reports indicated that several players, including Jordan Spieth, were reluctant to partner with Reed again. In previous Ryder Cups, Reed and Spieth had successfully teamed up, earning 2.5 points together at Hazeltine.
Unfavorable Pairings
- Reed was partnered with Tiger Woods for two fourball matches.
- The duo faced defeats against Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari.
Reed’s Reaction and Knost’s Criticism
After the competition, Reed expressed his frustration in an interview with the New York Times. He claimed he felt “blindsided” by Furyk’s decision to pair him with Woods, suggesting that it favored a “buddy system” approach. Colt Knost, reflecting on these comments in a recent podcast appearance, stated that Reed’s tendency to blame his teammates led to his loss of respect.
Knost’s Views on Reed’s Decisions
Knost criticized Reed’s actions after the tournament, emphasizing that he undermined his teammates and captain during a crucial moment. Knost remarked, “You cannot throw your team under the bus like that, especially when paired with one of the greatest players.” He believed Reed had squandered an opportunity to impress the captain before the upcoming Ryder Cup.
Future Implications for Reed
At 35 years old, Reed remains a potential candidate for future Ryder Cup appearances. However, recent events may hinder his chances. With Tiger Woods expected to take over as the U.S. captain, Reed’s connections to LIV Golf could complicate matters. His best likelihood of participating may rely on achieving automatic qualification.
Conclusion
Colt Knost’s commentary reflects broader sentiments about the dynamics of team sports and individual accountability. Whether Patrick Reed can mend relationships within the team framework remains to be seen as the next Ryder Cup approaches.
