Patrick Reed 'staying present' as he resumes Race to Dubai pursuit in Scotland

Patrick Reed is energised by the end goal of winning the Race to Dubai as he starts a long run of golf on the DP World Tour at the Nexo Championship.

The American leads the season-long points battle from Rory McIlroy, who is bidding to claim the Harry Vardon Trophy for a fifth consecutive year and match Colin Montgomerie's all-time record of eight crowns.

Twice a winner so far this year, Reed has a big chance to cement his position at the top of the Race to Dubai Rankings Delivered by DP World over the coming weeks.

Refreshed after a month-long break since his last competitive outing at The Open, the 2018 Masters champion has committed to a run of five straight events on the DP World Tour.

That run will see him play twice in England, along with outings in Switzerland and Ireland, after he headlines the field this week at Trump International Golf Links in Scotland.

"I think the biggest thing is taking it day by day," he said.

"Obviously, we know where we stand. At the end of the year, obviously, we want to go ahead and win the Race to Dubai.

"But really the easiest way, I feel like, to get there is by focusing on each day, just improving each day, and go out, and staying present.

"If you sit there and start thinking too far ahead, then you start losing sight of what you're doing right then and there.

"Golf is one of those games [where if] you start thinking too far ahead or too far behind you, it can bite you.

"So, for me, it's just staying present, keep grinding each day, week and a week out.

"Hopefully there's enough late Sundays where we go out and try to win a couple more tournaments and at the end of the year, hopefully, hold up the big trophy."

Golf is one of those games [where if] you start thinking too far ahead or too far behind you, it can bite you.

Reed is bidding to become just the second American to win the Race to Dubai after Collin Morikawa in 2021.

Across 13 starts this season, the 36-year-old has won titles in Dubai and Qatar, registered a runner-up finish in Bahrain and missed just two cuts.

Since the final Major Championship of the year at Royal Birkdale last month, Reed has spent time at home with his family and returns to action with a renewed focus.

"It's been an interesting year with having a lot of downtime in between the majors and in season.

"It's been something to kind of get used to and try to figure out. But it's been unbelievable being at home, especially after the major run, to have that downtime coming into this last stretch.

"Spent a lot of time with the kids, the summer just ended for them. So, been getting some quality time with them and the family.

"At the same time, going out, grinding and practising, getting ready. It's always sad when you leave home, especially when you're going on a long run like this. You're not going be able to see the family.

"I think it was the first time I've actually been really thrilled to feel low 60s (Fahrenheit) weather - it was a little grey and misty when I landed.

"You know, just to get out of that really hot heat, but at the same time get back out, playing with these guys and getting the competitiveness going."

Reed enjoyed the company of Scottish sporting royalty as he played alongside three-time Grand Slam champion Sir Andy Murray, renowned coach Judy Murray, as well as seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion Jamie Murray in Wednesday's Pro-Am.

While the World Number 32 may be the star attraction, the chance to walk the fairways with the Murray family was one Reed enjoyed.

"It was such a pleasure playing with the family and to kind of get to be able to experience and talk to another high-profile athlete," he reflected.

"He's usually playing a different sport and it is always fun to see a competitive side come out, but also that athletic side.

"He [Andy] hit some quality golf shots there, and so did his brother. But the highlight of the day was, mom [Judy] goes out and drives the green on seven and makes birdie on her own ball."

The Old Course at Trump International Golf Links made its DP World Tour debut last year, with the Martin Hawtree-designed layout having opened in 2012.

While still getting accustomed to the modern links course, Reed is full of praise and is aware of the challenge that might await after last year's modest winning score of eight under by Grant Forrest.

"The golf course to look at is stunning," he said.

"The way it plays, just really all depends. We haven't had very much wind during practice, and because of that, the golf course is I’d say, a little easier but the golf course definitely has challenges for sure.

"I was hearing stories and the guys were telling me about last year, how hard the wind was blowing. I can see that around a golf course like this.

"With these dunes, if you get up on them, it's just nasty, thick grass, the ball doesn't bounce out of it, and because of that the golf course can play really challenging.

"It definitely puts a premium on ball striking and knowing how you're going to attack each hole."