Patrick Reed Withdrew from Alfred Dunhill Links
A recurring wrist injury forced Patrick Reed to withdraw, tightening the race for the DP World Tour season title.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Golf
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Patrick Reed has withdrawn from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship as he continues to recover from a wrist injury sustained at the BMW PGA Championship. The absence has allowed Rory McIlroy to close the points gap in the Race to Dubai standings.
Why it matters
The withdrawal shifts the competitive landscape of the season-long points race, bringing Rory McIlroy within striking distance of the top spot. With a $2 million bonus at stake for the winner, every tournament point is critical as the season approaches its conclusion.
Rory McIlroy holds 3,115.86 points in the Race to Dubai, while the season champion is set to collect a $2 million bonus from a $6 million total pool.
The players
Patrick Reed
A professional golfer who is currently qualified for a 2027 PGA Tour card.
Rory McIlroy
A top-ranked professional golfer currently pursuing his goal of winning eight career Race to Dubai titles.
The details
Reed sustained the injury during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth after hitting a tree root on the ninth hole. He attempted to play the 10th hole but ultimately exited the course by cart.
Timeline
2021: Patrick Reed missed 25 days of play while hospitalized with pneumonia.
September 2026: Patrick Reed withdrew from the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
October 2026: Patrick Reed hopes to compete in the upcoming India event.
November 2026: The Race to Dubai season is scheduled to conclude in Dubai.
Season Trajectory
This withdrawal significantly alters the points momentum for the final stretch of the DP World Tour season. Reed's absence grants McIlroy a prime opportunity to overtake the lead before the tour concludes in November.
The narrowing points gap places increased pressure on the remaining schedule, with McIlroy slated to compete in upcoming events in India and Abu Dhabi. Reed's ability to maintain his lead now depends entirely on his physical recovery for the final tour events.
The takeaway
Injuries often play a decisive role in season-long points races, forcing top athletes to balance immediate recovery with long-term ranking goals. Fans should monitor recovery timelines closely as players pivot their schedules to remain competitive for final tournament bonuses.
Further reading
Find more updates on the Golf tour standings and player schedules on our dedicated section page.
Live Poll
If you were injured, would you return to your activity before fully recovering?
