CARROLTON, Texas – Patrick Reed shot a 4-under 68 on Saturday, earning a three-stroke lead at Liv Golf Dallas in search of his first victory on the Saudi Arabian funding tour.
After the opening of 67, tied up by teammate Harold Verner III and lead in the first round, Reid had six birdies and two bogeys to reach 9 under 135 at the Maridore Golf Club. The 34-year-old Reid won the 2018 Masters and won nine PGA Tours.
Paul Casey (67) and Abraham Ansser (69) were tied up in the second. Varner shot 72 and fell into the tie in third place with Tyrrell Hatton (65), Richard Bland (69) and David Puig (69) for 5.
Bryson Dedanbeau had a second consecutive 72. He lives in Dallas and played college golf at SMU.
The four took a four-stroke lead in the team competition.
Brooks Koepka retracted citing the illness on Friday after destroying the driver following his ninth par-4 tee shot, but did not return on Saturday. According to LIV rules, he may have returned to play this weekend. His scores were counted only in team rankings.
Koepka was replaced by reserve player Luis Carrera for the remainder of the first round.
This report used information from Associated Press and field-level media.