‘No excuses’ for Reed after injury as he looks to increase Race to Dubai lead

Patrick Reed is aiming to extend his lead over Rory McIlroy in the Race to Dubai as he returns from a shoulder injury at the Open de Espana. The 36-year-old American holds approximately a 300-point advantage over McIlroy with five DP World Tour events remaining. Reed was forced to withdraw from the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth last month, but confirmed he is fit to perform in Madrid.

With McIlroy absent this week, Reed aims to become the second American to finish as European No 1 after Collin Morikawa in 2021. Reed, who left LIV Golf earlier in the year, has led the standings since February following victories at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Qatar Masters. The field in Madrid features Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, and Ludvig Åberg, while three-time champion Jon Rahm misses out.