Patrick Reed Returns to Action at Spanish Open Following BMW PGA Championship Injury Withdrawal
Patrick Reed has resumed competition at the Spanish Open this week, marking his first tournament appearance since withdrawing from the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club due to a hand and shoulder injury. The 2018 Masters champion, who leads the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai, was forced to retire midway through his second round at Wentworth last month after striking a hidden tree root, but medical evaluations have cleared him to return to the course.
How Patrick Reed Sustained His Hand Injury at Wentworth
Reed entered the second round of the DP World Tour’s flagship event in strong form, having carded a four-under 68 on Thursday to sit just two shots off the overnight lead, ESPN reported. However, his Friday round quickly deteriorated. After a triple bogey on the first hole and subsequent doubles on the fourth and eighth holes, Reed found trouble on the par-4 ninth. While attempting to work his way out of the woods, he struck a hidden tree root, an impact that caused him to drop his club and grimace in visible discomfort.
The physical toll became undeniable on the 10th tee. After hitting his drive left of the green, Reed was seen flexing his left hand before ultimately retiring through injury. He had already shot nine-over par for his first nine holes.
“Never saw that coming,” Reed told the DP World Tour ahead of the Spanish Open. He explained that his neck and shoulder were already bothering him at the start of the round, but the root impact exacerbated the issue.
"My hand swelled up. I couldn’t even hit a normal flop shot and couldn’t hit a normal iron shot on the next hole." — Patrick Reed
What the BMW PGA Withdrawal Means for the Race to Dubai
The timing of the injury presented a significant complication for Reed’s season-long objectives. Having left LIV Golf in January to compete on the DP World Tour, Reed leads the season-long Race to Dubai standings following victories at the Dubai Desert Classic and the Qatar Masters earlier in 2026, Golf.com reported.
His primary rival, Rory McIlroy, is chasing a record-breaking eighth Race to Dubai title, which would tie Colin Montgomerie’s all-time mark. Reed’s withdrawal at Wentworth allowed McIlroy, who finished tied for second at the BMW PGA, to close the gap in the standings.
Beyond the prestige of the title, the stakes remain high for Reed’s career trajectory. The top 10 players in the Race to Dubai points race earn 2027 PGA Tour cards, making consistent late-season performances critical for securing his return to the American circuit.
Why Patrick Reed Stepped Away Before the Spanish Open
Initially, Reed feared he had broken his hand following the ninth-hole incident. However, subsequent tests near his home in Texas revealed a shoulder issue alongside the hand swelling. Recognizing the need for proper recovery, he missed two tournaments on the DP World Tour to heal, Bunkered reported.
“I took off last week to give myself one extra week, doctor’s orders,” Reed explained. “And so because of that, I feel like I’m healthy enough to come back out here and play and compete.”
While acknowledging the physical discomfort, Reed remains focused on the task at hand. "It might be uncomfortable," he noted, "but at the same time, I’m able to kind of perform and do what I’m supposed to do and that’s swing the golf club. So no excuses. Go out there and continue grinding."
How Amateur Golfers Should Manage On-Course Injuries
Reed’s situation offers a valuable lesson in course management and injury protocol for amateur golfers. When a player strikes an immovable object like a tree root, the sudden shock can cause acute swelling that alters swing mechanics. Attempting to play through sharp pain often forces the body to compensate, which can lead to secondary injuries—just as Reed’s hand issue coincided with pre-existing shoulder and neck discomfort.
Under the Rules of Golf, a player is always permitted to discontinue play under Rule 5.3a if they believe there is a danger of injury or if continuing would exacerbate an existing condition. For the recreational golfer, recognizing when to pick up the ball and seek medical evaluation is crucial. Altering your grip or swing path to avoid pain in the hands or wrists can quickly transfer stress to the elbows, shoulders, or lower back. Prioritizing long-term physical health over a single round ensures you can return to the course safely and effectively.
With McIlroy confirming he has three events remaining in his DP World Tour season, the pressure is on Reed to maintain his points advantage. Reed notes that his game still feels "pretty solid" as he navigates the final stretch of the Race to Dubai, aiming to secure his PGA Tour card and deny McIlroy a historic eighth title.
