Patrick Reed Shoots a Blistering 59 at Hong Kong Open, But There’s a Catch
HONG KONG — Golf fans, buckle up because Patrick Reed just delivered a round for the ages at the Hong Kong Open on the Asian Tour. On Saturday, Reed became the ninth player this year to shoot a 59 or lower, capping off his incredible 11-under round with four straight birdies. It was a performance that had jaws dropping and scoreboards lighting up, but there’s a twist that might leave some purists raising an eyebrow.
Here’s the deal: Reed’s 59 won’t go down in the record books as an official Asian Tour milestone. Why? Because the tournament allowed preferred lies, meaning players were permitted to lift, clean, and place their golf balls in the short grass. While this rule is often implemented to combat less-than-ideal course conditions, it also means Reed’s score won’t be recognized as a record. Still, that doesn’t take away from the sheer brilliance of his play.
Reed Joins an Elite Club
Reed’s sizzling round puts him in elite company. He’s now one of nine players this year to shoot 59 or better across various professional tours. Let’s break it down:
- Two sub-60 rounds on the PGA Tour
- Three on the Korn Ferry Tour
- One in the LIV Golf League
- One on the PGA Tour Americas
And let’s not forget Cristobal Del Solar, who set the bar even higher with a jaw-dropping 57 on the Korn Ferry Tour. That score not only stands as the lowest of the year but also ties the record for the lowest round ever on a professional tour. Talk about setting the gold standard!
How It All Went Down
Reed came out of the gates on fire, opening his round with five straight birdies. If that wasn’t enough to get the crowd buzzing, he closed with four consecutive birdies to finish his day in style. By the time the dust settled, Reed had a three-stroke lead over India’s Rashid Khan and Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong. It was a masterclass in precision, focus, and clutch play.
But Reed isn’t the only one making waves on the Asian Tour this year. Earlier in the season, John Catlin also carded a 59 during the International Series tournament in Macau. That round remains the official record for the Asian Tour, as it was achieved without the preferred-lie rule in play.
Preferred Lies: A Controversial Assist?
The preferred-lie rule has long been a topic of debate in the golf world. On one hand, it ensures fair play when course conditions are less than ideal. On the other, it can give players a slight edge, allowing them to clean their ball and place it in a more favorable position. While Reed’s 59 is undeniably impressive, the rule’s implementation means it won’t carry the same weight as Catlin’s record-setting round in Macau.
Still, let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. Shooting a 59 is no small feat, regardless of the circumstances. It requires a near-flawless combination of skill, strategy, and mental toughness. Reed’s performance in Hong Kong is a testament to his talent and determination, and it’s a moment that will be remembered by fans and players alike.
What’s Next for Reed?
With this electrifying round under his belt, Reed has firmly positioned himself as the man to beat at the Hong Kong Open. But the competition is far from over. Khan and Thippong are both within striking distance, and anything can happen in the final rounds. Will Reed hold on to claim the title, or will one of his challengers rise to the occasion? One thing’s for sure: golf fans won’t want to miss a second of the action.
As the 2024 season continues to unfold, it’s clear that sub-60 rounds are becoming more common across professional tours. Whether it’s the PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour, or the Asian Tour, players are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the course. And with performances like Reed’s, the future of golf looks brighter—and more exciting—than ever.
Final Thoughts
Patrick Reed’s 59 at the Hong Kong Open may not go down as an official record, but it’s a round that deserves to be celebrated. It’s a reminder of why we love this game: the drama, the skill, and the moments that leave us in awe. So here’s to Reed and all the players who continue to raise the bar. Keep swinging for the stars!
Originally Written by: Associated Press
