Reed draws Rory into his new cheating row

PATRICK REED has been accused of “p***ing off” some of his rivals while winning the Farmers Insurance Open by five shots at Torrey Pines.

The 2018 Masters champion claimed his ball was plugged in rough after a bunker shot on the 10th hole in his third round and took a free drop.

Officials declared his actions above board, but TV replays showed the ball had bounced before landing in its final position.

Commentator Nick Faldo said: “I’ve never seen a ball plug on the second bounce.

“But that’s the official line – because you can imagine the rest of the world is screaming at that one.” Reed, right, was penalised two shots for deliberately improving his lie in a bunker at the Tiger Woods Hero World Challenge in 2019, dragged Rory McIlroy, above, into the latest row.

He said the Northern Irishman had done exactly the same as him on the 18th on Saturday.

There were no TV replays, though the PGA exonerated both players in a written statement.

McIlroy said: “I was giving Patrick the benefit of the doubt because it seemed to me like it was a bit of a storm in a teacup.”

But Reed’s fellow American professionals were less forgiving.

Lanto Griffin, who tied seventh, six shots back, said: “It’s tough to put us on the spot because we weren’t there. But, if it’s in question, 99 per cent of the golfers out here are going to go the other way, not taking a drop. It’s sad, kind of p ***** us off.”

●The Open de France will return to the European Tour this year, in May.