Patrick Reed has apologised following his verbal outburst on the first hole during Thursday’s opening round in the WGC – HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.

In this latest example of ‘Trial by Video’ Reed faces the likelihood of a heft but undisclosed PGA Tour fine in bringing the game into disrepute despite Graeme McDowell, who leads after two rounds of the event and who played alongside Reed, not hearing the American’s outburst after he three-putted the first hole.

Patrick Reed apologises following his verbal outburst. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

However Reed’s remarks were picked up by ultra-sensitive TV microphones and with TV giant CNN singling out the incident rather than focus on the $US 8.5m event proper in the Chinese financial capital.

“I made a stupid error that’s for sure and I’m definitely sorry for the word,” said Reed.

“It should never have happened and in this game of golf it’s a gentleman’s game and that should never happen.

“I’m young and growing up and I’ve had temper issues on and off the golf course, and as you know I live and die through every shot.

“I’m not sure if I will get a fine or not. I will just have to wait and see.  All I can handle is myself moving forward and playing some good golf.

“Because it’s something to not be proud of and something that you definitely can’t have happen. Unfortunately it got the best of me yesterday and the passion I have for the game is never going to change. And the drive to play well and win is never going to change.

“It’s just if I’m ever going to get upset at myself, especially after a Ryder Cup and at the level of golf I’m playing nowadays, you can’t have outbursts.”