Patrick Reed unfazed by fines as he hits the front in Dubai Desert Classic | Golf

Patrick Reed finds himself in a curious situation. The former Masters champion could win this weekend at the Dubai Desert Classic and see a decent share of the $1.5 million (£1.1 million) first prize duly returned to the DP World Tour in fines. Reed joked that it wouldn’t be particularly easy for him to turn a profit on this tour in 2026. Indeed, he’s essentially starting his season in the red.

Reed’s membership in the DP World and LIV circuits means he is sanctioned by the former every time he participates in the latter. He lost an appeal over this situation in 2023 but, unlike others, chose to continue playing on what was formerly the European Tour. Reed’s position is further affected by the general agreement that LIV will no longer pay fines on behalf of its members from the end of 2025.

“It’s a very fluid question depending on how [the fine] That’s because it also depends on where the event is happening,” Reed said. “There are so many different factors that come into play. Trying to figure it all out is confusing. I prefer to just play and play; and if it costs me this, that, whatever, I’ll go and play.

“We haven’t played an event yet where we would be penalized, so we don’t really know what that means for this year. If this is where I get fined and have to pay fines to play here, so be it. I’m not going to allow that to deter me from showing my support and playing on this tour. Play well and that makes up for it.”

So far, so good on that front. Reed’s second-round 66 at the Emirates Club put him atop the leaderboard, nine under par, one ahead of Andy Sullivan. Reed has already been at the center of drama in Dubai; he infamously staked out Rory McIlroy here three years ago before being edged out for the title by the Northern Irishman.

“I guess I need to reach out, break the ice,” Reed said before a smile that implied the devil. “Or maybe he should throw one at me.”

McIlroy’s 69 allowed him to comfortably survive the weekend at two under. An additional 36 holes will come in handy for the Masters champion, who seemed far from his best in the first half of this tournament.

Given McIlroy’s specialization on this course and the possibility for him to make a run early on Saturday, the gap with Reed is far from insurmountable.

“I think I came back from 10 behind a few years ago to win,” McIlroy said. “I’m at seven minutes to the minute. If I go tomorrow, maybe in slightly better conditions in the morning and post a low one, then I’ll be in the mix next Sunday.”

Tyrrell Hatton matched McIlroy’s score in the second round to move to five under. Reed’s LIV teammate Dustin Johnson missed the cut. Danny Willett, who opened with a 76, withdrew before the start of Friday’s match.