Patrick Reed Steals Spotlight as Qatar Masters Leaderboard Takes Shape
American golfer Patrick Reed continued his scintillating form on the DP World Tour with a spirited performance at the halfway stage of the Qatar Masters. Despite a few hiccups, Reed showed flashes of brilliance to stay in command at 12 under par after carding a birdie-studded round of 67.
Reed's 17th hole birdie gave him a crucial boost as he moved a shot clear of Joakim Lagergren, the Swede who had produced an impressive escape from a perilous position on the 18th. A remarkable move by Lagergren and his caddie required them to remove large rocks to access his ball before he landed a miraculous shot onto the green, securing par.
The halfway lead marks Reed's third victory in three starts this year, having previously won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. However, the American will be wary of defending champion Daniel Hillier, who closed to within one stroke with a strong round of 66 alongside Richard Sterne.
England's Matt Wallace and Scotland's Ewen Ferguson were among those to impress on a day that saw several players card impressive scores. The leaderboard is now set for an intriguing finish as the field hurtles towards the weekend.
Despite a few bumps along the way, Reed was confident about his chances going into the weekend. "Honestly, today was a little frustrating, especially early," he admitted in his post-round interview. "Ball-striking wasn't quite as sharp as it was yesterday, but I missed in the right spots and still managed to get balls on greens."
Reed's determination and grit will be key to maintaining his lead over the weekend. Can anyone challenge his dominance, or will he extend his winning ways? The Qatar Masters is shaping up to be an absolute thriller.
American golfer Patrick Reed continued his scintillating form on the DP World Tour with a spirited performance at the halfway stage of the Qatar Masters. Despite a few hiccups, Reed showed flashes of brilliance to stay in command at 12 under par after carding a birdie-studded round of 67.
Reed's 17th hole birdie gave him a crucial boost as he moved a shot clear of Joakim Lagergren, the Swede who had produced an impressive escape from a perilous position on the 18th. A remarkable move by Lagergren and his caddie required them to remove large rocks to access his ball before he landed a miraculous shot onto the green, securing par.
The halfway lead marks Reed's third victory in three starts this year, having previously won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. However, the American will be wary of defending champion Daniel Hillier, who closed to within one stroke with a strong round of 66 alongside Richard Sterne.
England's Matt Wallace and Scotland's Ewen Ferguson were among those to impress on a day that saw several players card impressive scores. The leaderboard is now set for an intriguing finish as the field hurtles towards the weekend.
Despite a few bumps along the way, Reed was confident about his chances going into the weekend. "Honestly, today was a little frustrating, especially early," he admitted in his post-round interview. "Ball-striking wasn't quite as sharp as it was yesterday, but I missed in the right spots and still managed to get balls on greens."
Reed's determination and grit will be key to maintaining his lead over the weekend. Can anyone challenge his dominance, or will he extend his winning ways? The Qatar Masters is shaping up to be an absolute thriller.