Patrick Reed shot a 4-under 68 on Saturday to take a three-stroke lead at LIV Golf Dallas in a bid for his first victory on the Saudi-funded tour.
Tied for the first-round lead with 4Aces teammate Harold Varner III after an opening 67, Reed had six birdies and two bogeys to reach 9-under 135 at Maridoe Golf Club. The 34-year-old Reed won the 2018 Masters and has nine PGA Tour victories.
Paul Casey (67) and Abraham Ancer (69) were tied for second. Varner shot 72 to drop into a tie for third at 5 under with Tyrrell Hatton (65), Richard Bland (69) and David Puig (69).
Bryson DeChambeau had his second straight 72. He lives in Dallas and played his college golf at SMU.
The 4Aces had a four-stroke lead in the team competition.
Brooks Koepka, who withdrew Friday citing illness after he smashed his driver following his tee shot on the par-4 ninth, did not return Saturday. According to LIV rules, he could have returned to play this weekend, with his scores counting only toward the team standings.
Koepka was replaced by reserve player Luis Carrera for the remainder of the first round.
Information from The Associated Press and Field Level Media was used in this report.
the Texas sun beat down relentlessly on the Dallas National Golf Club baking the course and testing the endurance of every player the heat shimmerred off the meticulously manicured greens creating a mirage-like effect in the distance it was the kind of heat that could wilt even the most seasoned golfer turning a promising round into a struggle for survival but Patrick Reed Captain America thrived in the heat he seemed impervious to the oppressive conditions his focus unwavering as he navigated the challenging layout reed’s game appeared tailorade for the Texas climate his ball striking crisp and his putting strokes smooth even as others faltered reed’s second round at Live Golf Dallas wasn’t just good it was a statement a declaration of intent a message to the rest of the field that he was not just competing but dominating every swing every putt every calculated risk exuded confidence and control he’s here to win not just participate you could see it in his eyes the set of his jaw the deliberate way he approached each shot this wasn’t just another tournament for Reed it was an opportunity to prove himself to silence his critics and to etch his name in the Liv golf history books seizing a commanding lead and putting the entire field on notice he wasn’t just ahead he was in control dictating the pace and forcing others to chase him it was a masterclass in strategy and execution a display of golfing prowess that left spectators in awe this weekend isn’t just about another trophy gathering dust on a shelf it’s about something far more significant for Reed it’s about validation about proving his place among the elite golfers in the world it’s Reed’s shot at his first individual live title a chance to finally break through and claim the top spot on the podium he’s been close before but this time feels different more determined more focused a milestone that’s eluded him a victory that would not only boost his confidence but also solidify his legacy in the sport this win would be a statement a resounding answer to those who have doubted him the Dallas crowd buzzed with anticipation eager to witness history in the making they came to see great golf and Reed was delivering in spades drawn to Reed’s aggressive highstakes play his willingness to take risks and go for the green even when the odds are stacked against him it’s this daring approach that makes him so compelling to watch as he walked off 18 the weight of expectation palpable in the air he knew he had put himself in a prime position to win the applause said it all reed is dominating playing some of the best golf of his career and the crowd was loving every minute of it and the final round promises drama with him at the center a high stakes showdown that will test his medal and determine whether he can finally claim his first live golf title the stakes are high the pressure is immense big prize money a substantial reward for the victor crucial season points vital for climbing the leaderboard and securing a spot in the season ending championship and a boost for his four aces GC team a chance to contribute to their collective success and strengthen their position in the team standings reed’s threeshot cushion sets up a Sunday showdown a tantalizing prospect for golf fans around the world can he maintain his form withstand the pressure and finally silence the doubters who have questioned his abilities the unique live atmosphere shotgun starts festival vibes music pumping and a generally more relaxed and fan-friendly environment adds another layer of intrigue to the equation keeps the energy high creating an electric atmosphere that fuels the players and captivates the audience and Reed’s Surge is the story everyone’s following the narrative that has captured the imagination of golf fans and media alike he feeds off the crowd drawing energy and inspiration from their cheers and applause delivering clutch shots under pressure proving his ability to perform when the stakes are highest all eyes are now on Captain America the man in the spotlight the player with the weight of expectation on his shoulders as he aims to close out victory in the heart of Texas to seize the moment and claim his rightful place as a live golf champion the stage is set for a dramatic finale patrick Reed’s sensational Saturday round was nothing short of a masterclass he carted eight birdies showcasing incredible precision and touch around the greens each putt seemed destined to find the bottom of the cup there was just one bogey a minor blip on an otherwise flawless scorecard but the defining characteristic of his round was relentless momentum he never let a single setback derail his focus his iron play was razor sharp consistently finding the heart of the greens this precision iron play set up birdie after birdie giving him ample opportunities to score and once he was on the green his putter stayed red-hot converting those opportunities with remarkable consistency even after a rare bogey a testament to the challenging course conditions Reed bounced back instantly showcasing his resilience and ability to recover from adversity this immediate recovery showed the mental toughness that separates champions from the rest of the field he possesses an unwavering belief in his abilities 12 under for the tournament a commanding position heading into the final round he’s been consistently excellent from tea to green demonstrating a complete mastery of all facets of the game reed’s stats tell the story a picture of precision and control fairways hit with regularity approaches dialed in with laser-like accuracy and putts dropping from everywhere long and short breaking left and right his confidence grew with every birdie fueling his performance and solidifying his lead and he walked with the swagger of a man in complete control of his game and his destiny this psychological edge is crucial especially in the pressure cooker of a major championship he’s not just leading he’s intimidating the field with his unwavering focus and steely determination the rest of the contenders know they’ll need something special perhaps a career-defining round to catch him reed’s complete game has set the stage creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement all of this points to a dramatic Sunday one that promises to be filled with twists turns and unforgettable moments the message is clear the gauntlet has been thrown down to win someone will have to outplay a man at the absolute peak of his powers firing on all cylinders the finale is set the stage is prepared with Reed holding all the cards ready to defend his lead and claim victory can anyone catch him or will Reed continue his dominant performance and secure the championship only time will tell patrick Reed’s rise is built on grit big wins and iconic moments none bigger than his 2018 Masters triumph that green jacket wasn’t luck it was years of hard work and belief holding off legends like Mroy and Spe reed’s PGA Tour resume nine wins including a record- setting WGC title shows he thrives under pressure his Captain America nickname was earned in Ryder and President’s Cups where he delivered clutch performances for Team USA now on the Live Golf Tour Reed brings that same fire but an individual title has remained just out of reach this weekend in Dallas feels different he’s playing with the confidence of a major champion his two-round performance is a reminder reed is still a threat hungry for a new trophy he’s not just a former champion he’s a current contender dallas could be the start of a new chapter in his storied career patrick Reed a name synonymous with clutch performances and steely resolve finds himself in a familiar position leading the pack but Reed’s three-shot lead is anything but safe in the unpredictable world of golf a three-shot advantage can evaporate in a heartbeat especially on a challenging course like this one a worldclass chase pack brimming with talent and hungry for victory is in hot pursuit ready to pounce on any mistake they’re not just names on a leaderboard they’re seasoned competitors who know how to win paul Casey the steady English veteran a picture of composure and precision sits at nine under a testament to his consistent play and strategic course management he is poised to apply early pressure aiming to close the gap and rattle Reed’s confidence abraham Answer the consistent Mexican ball striker known for his accuracy and unwavering focus lurks close ready to capitalize on any slip he’s a master of patience waiting for the opportune moment to strike harold Varnner III’s aggressive style a blend of power and flare and Tier Hatton’s fearless play characterized by bold shots and unwavering self-belief add volatility to the mix promising some electrifying moments and unexpected twists richard Bland the experienced Englishman a seasoned campaigner with a wealth of knowledge and David Puig the fearless young Spaniard an upandcoming talent with nothing to lose round out a diverse group of contenders each with their own unique strengths and motivations each brings a unique style a distinct approach to the game precision the ability to hit the ball exactly where they intend consistency the hallmark of a reliable performer who minimizes mistakes aggression the willingness to take risks and go for the green that could ignite a Sunday charge a dramatic surge up the leaderboard that captivates the crowd the final round promises a fascinating clash of personalities and strategies a captivating display of skill and mental fortitude under immense pressure reed must be flawless he needs to summon his best golf to hold off the relentless competition the chasers have nothing to lose and everything to gain freeing them to play with a fearless abandon one hot round a string of birdies and eagles could flip the script entirely rewriting the narrative of the tournament the leaderboard is stacked a testament to the depth of talent on display and the pressure is on palpable in the air as each player battles for every stroke sunday in Dallas will be a battle to the very last hole a test of nerves and skill that will separate the champion from the contenders who will rise to the occasion and etch their name in the history books only time will tell live golf isn’t just about individual glory the team title is fiercely contested and four aces GC led by Dustin Johnson are once again in command reed’s heroics have propelled the four aces to a sevenshot team lead with strong support from Johnson Pat Perez and Harold Varnner III the team format demands everyone contribute and the four aces have mastered this formula crushers GC and Stinger GC are chasing but overcoming the four aces cushion will take something special the team dynamic adds strategy and pressure every shot matters for the group a Dallas win would cement the four aces status as the team to beat and add momentum for the season reed’s individual quest and the team’s dominance are intertwined sunday is about closing out both titles in style while Reed leads Bryson Desambo is making headlines of his own in Dallas the Crushers GC captain has deep local roots having starred at SMU and won both the NCAA and US amateur here the Dallas crowd fuels him and he’s relishing the homecoming energy though not at top the leaderboard Desambo is within striking distance and crucial to his team’s hopes his scientific approach and unique style honed in Dallas have made him a global star a strong Sunday could spark a crusher comeback and thrill his hometown fans desambo’s journey from college phenom to major champion comes full circle here every shot carries extra meaning in front of his Dallas supporters his presence adds another compelling storyline to an already electric tournament drama struck when Brooks Kepka Smash GC captain and five-time major winner withdrew before round two with an injury his absence was a blow to his team and fans but Liv’s unique substitution rule kept the competition intact former US Open champ Graeme McDow stepped in ensuring Smash GC fielded a full roster mcdow’s score accounted for the team though he wasn’t eligible for individual prizes this system highlights Liv’s team first approach and strategic depth reserves must always be ready for Smash GC losing Kepka was tough but McDow’s experience offered stability the substitution process keeps the event fair and competitive even amid surprises fans got a behind-the-scenes look at Liv’s operational flexibility the show went on with minimal disruption it’s a testament to Liv’s innovative structure and focus on the team game as Saturday ends the stage is set reed leads by three but the pressure is immense he must balance aggression with caution relying on his strengths and staying present the chasers Casey Answer and more will attack from the start hoping to force mistakes one hot start could change everything making for a tense unpredictable finale the team race adds another layer with four aces aiming to seal the win dallas National is the perfect theater for the showdown sunday will test nerves strategy and execution golf fans are in for a dramatic finish a Dallas victory would be a landmark for Patrick Reed his first individual live title and a powerful statement it would silence critics boost his seasonlong championship hopes and cement his place among the games elite the points hall would launch him up the standings fueling his pursuit of the overall title for four aces GC Reed’s win would drive another team championship reinforcing their dominance the dual triumph individual and team would showcase the unique spirit of live golf for Reed it’s about legacy proving he can win anywhere on any tour against the world’s best dallas could mark the start of a new era in his career he’s not just playing for a trophy he’s playing to define his legacy
