LONDON (Reuters) - U.S. Ryder Cup talisman Patrick Reed will keep his European Tour card next season despite failing to play the required number of events to retain membership.
The American was due to compete in the $7 million Turkish Airlines Open this month but dropped out, as did world number two Rory McIlroy, because of security fears.
The European Tour said in a statement on Monday that Reed would keep his membership by virtue of his victory at the 2014 Cadillac Championship in Florida, a World Golf Championship event.
"We are delighted to announce that Patrick will return to action on the European Tour for the 2017 season," chief executive Keith Pelley said.