Patrick Reed shoots 71 in Bahrain, includes Qatar Masters in schedule

AL MAZROWIAH, Bahrain — Patrick Reed opted to prolong his stay in the Middle East and managed to secure a 1-under 71 in the Bahrain Championship, where Alejandro Del Rey and Freddy Schott were tied for the lead at 65 when the first round was suspended due to darkness on Thursday.

Reed, who previously claimed victory at the Dubai Desert Classic, decided to depart from LIV Golf to make his return to the PGA Tour, entering next week’s Qatar Masters. This will mark his fourth consecutive appearance in the Middle East to commence the year on the European Tour.

His current objective is to achieve a high enough position in the Race to Dubai — he is presently ranked No. 2 — to obtain full status on the PGA Tour by 2027.

Reed was 1 over par until he recorded birdies on two consecutive par 5s on the back nine, each time using a wedge to set up a tap-in for his round to return under par.

Laurie Canter, who relinquished a PGA Tour card to join LIV, was among those just one shot behind.