Patrick Reed's $750 Million Lawsuit vs. Media Tossed out of Court
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The tension between golfers and the media has been simmering for years, but in 2022, Patrick Reed just turned that feud into a full-blown legal war with $750 lawsuit.
But that lawsuit appears to officially be over!
On Tuesday, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit upheld the dismissal of Reed's defamation case against a lineup of golf media figures and outlets, including Golf Channel's Damon Hack, Shane Bacon, and Eamon Lynch, as well as Golfweek and its parent company, Gannett.
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 12: Patrick Reed of the United States leaves the fifth tee during the third round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2025 in Augusta,...
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 12: Patrick Reed of the United States leaves the fifth tee during the third round of the 2025 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2025 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by) More
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The lawsuit, originally filed in August 2022 in Texas and refiled in Florida a month later, accused the defendants of conspiracy, injurious falsehood, tortious interference, and acting "in concert as joint tortfeasors."
Reed claimed the media had painted him as a cheater and villain, costing him millions in endorsements.
But the court was not convinced. "Reed simply failed to plead facts that addressed the element of 'actual malice' in the context of defamation against a public figure," the ruling stated.
Reed Unable to Prove Actual Malice
Actual malice is the reason so many public figures sue overseas. It does not exist there. But in America, the plaintiff must prove the defendants knowingly made falsities or with reckless disregard for whether it was true or false. It is a high bar to prove.
The ruling added that Reed had two chances to present viable claims and failed both times. "Any further amendment would, therefore, be futile."
Judge Timothy Corrigan, who dismissed the suit in 2022, reiterated in a 78-page ruling:
"Many of the statements are not about Reed. Some statements are about LIV Golf, of which Reed is a member, but not specifically about Reed.
"Others are matters of opinion or permissible rhetorical hyperbole. Still others are statements of fact, the truth of which are not challenged," Corrigan noted during the 2nd dismissal.
One of the most cited examples was Reed's time at Augusta State University, where he was suspended from matches after teammates allegedly voted him off the team.
Judge Robert Luck noted, "If they are true stories, whether they are negative or not, how can a bunch of true stories be actual malice?"
Reed's attorney, Anthony Lake, argued this May that his client had never been "determined to be a cheater," and that the media's portrayal was unfair.
But U.S. Circuit Judges Nancy Abudu and Robert Luck argued that articles had presented both sides, and many of the negative claims were based on well-known and documented history, including Reed's suspension from college.
As the ruling hit headlines, Eamon Lynch couldn't resist a sarcastic jab.
"Must cancel that check for eleventy billion dollars," he posted on X.
The post, dripping in sarcasm, was a clear taunt, mocking the astronomical damages Reed had sought. The dismissal marks the end of a feud that blurred the lines between media scrutiny and legal overreach.
More Golf: JJ Spaun notice 'complete 180' in players' attitude after U.S. Open win
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