The Arnold Palmer Invitational concluded Sunday and it was an interesting one for a number of reasons.
Tiger Woods is back in contention for real again this season, and drew record crowds at the Florida tournament as it’s been reported that the event sold more than 50 per cent of the tickets sold last year. Woods ended up finishing tied for fifth place with on an impressive -10.
Rory McIlroy finally won an event again. His first in 18 months with his -18 count, three strokes ahead of second place Bryson DeChambeau.
But, the more controversial and perhaps entertaining news that came out of the event was directed by Patrick Reed.
The American, who finished on -8 in Florida, was the centre of attention late on Sunday when he asked for a drop outside the 11th green, captured by someone in attendance on their phone.
As you can see below, Reed wanted to move the ball because he believed the cables from the TV tower nearby were obstructing his shot. An official comes to investigate and the serious, but funny, debate ensues.
Reed clearly made his case to the official but with the official refusing to grant the request thinks the 27-year-old adjusts his focus to the onlookers behind him and makes a bizarre dig about Jordan Speith, who wasn't even competing at Bay Hill, saying: “I guess my name needs to be Jordan Speith, guys.”
Reed was referring to when Spieth was allowed a drop relief at the British Open.
About 14 seconds in you can also hear a person alleged to be Reed’s wife Justine, who once was his caddie, say, “Anyone else would get a drop out of there any day of the week.”
But maybe most disturbing was his claim that the official was biased against him when he asked for a third opinion “from an unbiased source”. What reasons he has behind the claim is unknown.
Reed hasn’t had the best season so far, although he did tie for second in the Vaspar Championship two weeks ago.
Spieth didn’t play the Arnold Palmer Invitational, but the two former Ryder Cup playing partners will meet in this week’s Austin tournament.