Patrick Reed retains European Tour card

Patrick Reed has retained his European Tour membership for 2017, even though he failed to compete in the required number of events on the Race to Dubai.

Reed played in just three "regular" European Tour events outside of the majors and World Golf Championships in 2016, rather than the five officially required for card.

Reed pulled out of the Turkish Airlines Open, and skipped the Nedbank Challenge. This did turn things around for Graeme Storm, as he therefore retained his tour card, and did not have to battle it out a Q–School at Las Catalunya.

But Reed will return to the European Tour next season, with his membership coming from the three-year exemption after winning the 2014 WGC-Cadillac Championship.

"We are delighted to announce that Patrick will return to action on the European Tour for the 2017 season," said Keith Pelley.

"He is one of the game's most exciting talents, as everyone who witnessed his electrifying performance at this year's Ryder Cup will testify to, and our fans look forward to seeing him in action again next year."

"I love to compete and I take pride in the fact that I have both my PGA Tour card and my European Tour card," Reed said. "I am grateful that I will continue to be a part of the European Tour and I value the opportunity to play with the best players in the world, all over the world."

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Alex Noren overturns six shot deficit to win Nedbank Challenge