DALLAS — Patrick Reed secured his first victory on the LIV Golf Tour in dramatic fashion, outlasting three opponents in a sudden-death playoff to claim the LIV Golf Dallas title. The 2018 Masters champion showcased his trademark resilience, sinking a clutch birdie putt on the second playoff hole to edge out Bryson DeChambeau, Carlos Ortiz, and Dustin Johnson.
A Thrilling Final Round
Reed entered the final round trailing by two strokes but surged into contention with a bogey-free 66, finishing at 14-under for the tournament. His steady play contrasted with the roller-coaster rounds of his rivals, particularly DeChambeau, who carded a 67 despite a double-bogey on the par-4 12th. "I knew I had to stay patient," Reed said afterward. "This course rewards precision, and I trusted my short game when it mattered most."
The playoff drama unfolded after all four players finished regulation tied at 14-under. Key moments leading to the playoff included:
- Ortiz’s near-miss for eagle on the 18th, settling for a birdie to join the playoff
- Johnson’s clutch 15-foot par save on the 17th to stay in contention
- DeChambeau’s 320-yard drive on the final hole, setting up a two-putt birdie
Playoff Heroics
The four-way playoff began on the par-5 18th, where Reed and Ortiz made birdies while Johnson and DeChambeau were eliminated with pars. On the second playoff hole (the par-3 16th), Reed sealed the win with a 12-foot birdie putt after Ortiz missed his attempt from a similar distance. "That putt felt like Augusta all over again," Reed admitted, referencing his iconic Masters victory. "I just focused on my line and let it roll."
Reed’s Redemption
The win marks a significant milestone for Reed, who joined LIV Golf in 2022 but had yet to secure a solo victory. After a string of near-misses, including three top-5 finishes earlier this season, the Dallas triumph reaffirms his status as one of the tour’s elite competitors. "This validates the work we’ve put in," said Reed’s caddie, Kessler Karain. "Pat’s a grinder, and today showed why he’s a major champion."
Reactions from the Field
DeChambeau, who narrowly missed his second LIV win of the season, praised Reed’s composure: "Pat’s one of the best under pressure. He earned it today." Ortiz, meanwhile, expressed mixed emotions after his best LIV finish to date: "I’m proud of how I played, but Patrick was just better when it counted."
Johnson, a two-time LIV event winner, remained philosophical: "Playoffs are a toss-up. I had my chances, but sometimes it doesn’t go your way." The result tightens the LIV standings, with Reed jumping to fourth in the season-long individual race behind Joaquin Niemann, DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm.
What’s Next for LIV Golf?
The tour heads to Nashville next for its seventh event of the season, where Reed will look to build momentum. Key storylines to watch include:
- Niemann’s quest to extend his lead in the individual championship
- Rahm’s search for his first LIV victory after three top-3 finishes
- The continued rivalry between Reed and DeChambeau, now tied with two playoff losses each this season
For Reed, the Dallas win is more than just a trophy—it’s a statement. "People forget how good I can be," he said with a smile. "This is just the beginning." With LIV Golf’s schedule intensifying ahead of its team championship in September, Reed’s resurgence adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling season.
As the sun set over Dallas, Reed’s victory celebration echoed across the course, a reminder of his ability to thrive in high-stakes moments. For golf fans, the playoff drama delivered everything LIV promises—unpredictable competition, star-powered clashes, and a champion who refused to back down.
