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Steve Stricker’s overall picks for his U.S. team for the Ryder Cup did not include Patrick Reed, one of the few American players with a record of wins in the competition that has seen Europe frustratingly win nine of the last 12. events.
The decision sparked numerous complaints on social media and good support for Reed, the 2018 Masters champion who has been dubbed “Captain America” and relished his role in the United States Cup competitions.
Several of the tweets criticized Stricker, one calling him a “coward,” and others essentially berating the captain for leaving Reed out. Reed or whoever manages his Twitter account “liked” more than a dozen of these tweets, including those that disparaged Stricker.
He hasn’t tweeted since the Tour Championship started last week.
Reed, 31, is a nine-time PGA Tour winner who has been embroiled in several rules controversies. He also berated the decision in the aftermath of the 2018 Ryder Cup in France that separated him from partner Jordan Spieth – a move that Reed says took him by surprise.
Last month Reed was hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia and said during the Tour Championship his life was in danger. He was able to play – he finished tied for 17th in Atlanta – but was forced to drive from his home in Houston to Atlanta because medics feared the flight would be hard on his lungs.
“Patrick Reed… it was a very, very difficult call,” Stricker said. “A little lost sleep for that one. He’s a great competitor. He brings a lot of golf match-play. His Ryder Cup record is pretty darn good. It was a very tough call. ‘uncertainty about his health and really the lack of play that led to our decision on the home stretch.
Reed is 7-3-2 in three Ryder Cup appearances, with three singles wins. But none of his tag team wins came without Spieth, who made all four tag team appearances in France with Justin Thomas.
Reed went 1-2 in France and 1-3 in Melbourne in the 2019 Presidents Cup.
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