Patrick Reed will likely be subject to a significant fine after he dropped a pair of expletives and a gay slur during the first round of the WGC-HSBC Champions on Thursday.
Playing his 10th hole of the day, Reed three-putted for bogey and on-course microphones picked up the offensive language that he muttered to himself. The U.S. Ryder Cup star shot a 1-under 71 in Shanghai to sit four shots behind Graeme McDowell.
The PGA Tour issued a statement early Thursday morning, saying, “The PGA Tour Conduct Unbecoming regulations prohibit the use of obscene language on the golf course. The PGA Tour will deal with this matter internally in accordance with its regulations.”
Several hours after the incident, Reed took to Twitter to apologize for his actions:
I'm sorry for using offensive language today in China. My passion to play well got the best of me and my word choice was unacceptable.
— Patrick Reed (@PReedGolf) November 6, 2014
The PGA Tour has a longstanding policy of not disclosing player disciplinary action.