Patrick Reed expresses sympathy and support for Danny Willett at Ryder Cup
By Keith Jackson at Hazeltine
Last Updated: 29/09/16 6:02pm
Patrick Reed has urged American fans at the Ryder Cup to go easy on Danny Willett as the fallout from his brother's controversial magazine article continues to be a huge talking point at Hazeltine.
Pete Willett caused a huge stir with his abusive comments towards US fans, prompting the Masters champion to issue an apology late on Wednesday while European captain Darren Clarke also expressed his "bitter disappointment".
Reed enjoyed interacting with the fans at Gleneagles on his Ryder Cup debut two years ago, taking up the "pantomime villain" role with some of his behaviour on the course.
But he has given his support to Willett and his family at Hazeltine, and he does not want to hear the Sheffield star taking abuse from outside the ropes.
Reed, who won three and halved one of his four matches in an unbeaten rookie performance in 2014, said: "It's forgive and forget. It's unfortunate that something was said, and not actually from Danny.
"This is his first Ryder Cup and I know the last Ryder Cup was my first and it's such a special and awesome moment, so to have something distract you from enjoying your first moment is unfortunate.
"I heard the other day that his family was embarrassed; that they were thinking about flying home and that's something that just can't happen.
"I'm hoping the fans can put it aside and allow the rookies, not only on our side but their side, to enjoy it and allow Danny to enjoy the week.
"It's one of these things that it hasn't affected us in any way. I hope for the best for Danny and his family and hope they actually enjoy the week and that our fans don't just completely annihilate them."
Reed has also enjoyed working with vice-captain Tiger Woods in the build-up to the event, and paid tribute to the 14-time major champion for his input over the week.
"The way his mind works on the golf course, it's impressive and it definitely shows why he has won so much," added Reed. "We played nine holes on the first day, and the whole group, it was so windy, they only wanted to play nine.
"I decided I wanted to go see the back nine, just walk the back nine backwards. He was like, 'All right, well, let's go.' And he walked it with me, helping me figure out the golf course.
"You don't get that very often. And to have somebody do that for you, especially a guy like Tiger Woods, meant a lot to me."
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