The dismissal of Patrick Reed’s $750m lawsuit against multiple members of the golf media has been dismissed, according to a report.
The dismissal of Patrick Reed’s $750m lawsuit against multiple members of the media has been upheld, according to a report.
Reed originally filed the lawsuit in August 2022 and it targeted several prominent golf media personalities and organisations.
Chief among them were former PGA Tour player turned Golf Channel analyst and prominent LIV Golf critic Brandel Chamblee.
Chamblee has long criticised LIV Golf and opposes the league because he believes the breakaway tour is simply a form of sportswashing.
LIV Golf is financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
Golf Channel presenters Damon Hack and Shane Bacon, as well as Golfweek columnist Eamon Lynch were also defendants in the suit.
The former Masters champion said comments made about him following his switch from the PGA Tour to LIV had crossed into the arena defamation.
He alleged he suffered damages exceeding $750m over losses of sponsorship, emotional harm and hurt to his family.
The suit listed companies such as Draft Kings, Titleist and Callaway among those who did not renew deals with the golfer.
A federal judge in Florida dismissed the initial claim in November 2022.
Judge Timothy Corrigan upheld that decision in September 2023 and later ordered Reed cover the legal fees of the defendants.
Golfweek have now reported the appeals court agreed with the district court’s decision to throw out all of the defamation claims.
Reed could now choose to petition the Eleventh Circuit for a rehearing.
If granted, the Eleventh Circuit would rehear the case, but Sportico report that such decisions are rare.
Reed could also choose to petition the U.S. Supreme court.
Patrick Reed, currently competing in LIV Golf’s event at Valderrama in Spain, has had a strong season so far, including a top-three finish at The Masters.
He’s confident he has what it takes to earn a place on the U.S. Ryder Cup team this September at Bethpage Black. However, he acknowledges that winning The Open Championship next week at Royal Portrush might be essential to make that happen.
“I think next week at The Open is the key,” Reed told reporters. “Of course, I want to play well here, but if I can win the Open, I believe I’ll break into the top six in points, which should secure my spot on the team.”
He continued, saying, “I need to deliver solid performances over the next couple of weeks—put myself in contention on Sundays and aim for victories. If I can do that, hopefully Keegan [Bradley] will consider picking me.”
Reed also noted the challenge of qualifying through LIV, adding, “Since only the majors count toward Ryder Cup points, it’s definitely an uphill climb. But I’m feeling confident going into the final major.”
Leave a Reply