Patrick Reed is at the top of the leaderboard in the Dubai Desert Classic, showing little concern over potential fines from the DP World Tour. The former Masters champion could win the $1.5m (£1.1m) first prize this weekend, though a portion may be taken in penalties due to his dual membership in the DP World and LIV tours. Reed lost an appeal over these sanctions in 2023 but has continued to play on the DP World Tour, even though LIV members no longer receive fine coverage from the tour since the end of 2025. Despite the financial uncertainty, Reed said he is focused on playing rather than calculating costs. “It is a really fluid one depending on how much the fine is because it also depends where the event is,” he said. “Trying to wrap your head around all of it is confusing. I’d rather just tee it up and play. If it costs me this or that, so be it. I’m not going to let that stop me.” Reed’s approach seems to be working. He carded a second-round 66 at the Emirates Club, putting him at nine under par and one stroke ahead of England’s Andy Sullivan. Reed has a history of drama in Dubai; three years ago, he famously threw a tee peg at Rory McIlroy before narrowly losing the title to him. “I guess I need to put my hand out, break the ice,” Reed joked with a mischievous smile. “Or maybe he needs to throw one at me.” McIlroy, with a second-round 69, is at two under and well-positioned for the weekend. While Reed leads, the gap is not unassailable, as McIlroy has the skill to make a strong Saturday push. “I came from 10 behind a couple of years ago to win,” McIlroy said. “I’m seven back at the minute. If I post a low one tomorrow morning, I’ll be right in the mix come Sunday.” Tyrrell Hatton also performed strongly, matching McIlroy’s round-two score to move to five under par. Dustin Johnson, Reed’s teammate on LIV, missed the cut, while Danny Willett withdrew after opening with a 76, leaving the competition tighter at the top. Reed acknowledged that fines could affect his earnings this season but said they will not change his commitment to the tour. “We haven’t played an event yet that we would be fined for, so we don’t know what it entails for this year. If it happens, so be it. I’m not going to let it deter me from playing and showing support for this tour. Playing well offsets it,” he said. The situation highlights the complicated dynamics between the DP World Tour and LIV Golf. Players who compete in both face penalties from DP World, and with LIV no longer covering fines, individuals like Reed start the season at a potential loss. Despite this, Reed’s focus remains on performance rather than the financial side. His second-round performance underlines his skill and resilience. A consistent weekend could see him claim the Dubai Desert Classic title, making up for any fines and adding to his career achievements. With strong competitors like McIlroy and Hatton in the field, the final rounds promise to be closely contested. Reed’s determination and ability to perform under pressure may be key factors in his campaign. Fans and critics alike will be watching to see if the former Masters champion can navigate the financial complications while securing a major win in Dubai.