Patrick Reed’s affinity for the Greater Bay Area was on full display once again as he fired a seven-under-par 63 to claim the first-round lead at the International Series Macau presented by Wynn.

The former Masters champion, who won the Hong Kong Open four months ago, continued his impressive form in the region, posting a bogey-free round at the Macau Golf and Country Club. His 63 edged out Filipino Miguel Tabuena, Peter Uihlein, and Finland’s Kalle Samooja, who all carded 64s.

“I wasn’t feeling that great when I first got up, my body was a little tight, but it loosened up nicely on the range,” said Reed.

A Hot Start to the Tournament

Reed, who finished fourth in Macau last year, made his move early, picking up birdies on holes 4, 6, 7, and 8. He added another on the 13th hole before closing strong with birdies at 16 and 18.

“These greens got really fast, and with some of those pin locations on the back nine, you had to put the ball in the right spot,” he added. “I was able to do a nice job on that and had a stress-free seven-under.”

Tabuena’s Strong Start

Miguel Tabuena briefly held the clubhouse lead after a solid six-under 64. Despite an uncharacteristic missed one-foot putt on his opening hole, the Filipino star quickly rebounded with eight birdies against two bogeys.

“Woke up at 3:45, got in the gym at 4:10,” said Tabuena. “The game feels really good except for my three-putt on the first hole. Missed it from a foot, so that was pretty funny. I just laughed it out.”

Tabuena, who is looking for his first Asian Tour win since 2023, feels his game is trending in the right direction.

“It is about playing the par fives well here. If you score on the par fives, I think you’ll do well. You must also understand where the wind is blowing because it really bounces around the mountains, especially in the morning.”

Uihlein and Samooja in Contention

Peter Uihlein, who won two International Series events in 2023, put himself in contention after hitting a remarkable six-iron to within inches on the par-five 18th for an eagle finish.

“Played super well, despite coming off a slight strain on my hand since last week,” Uihlein said. “I am just very relaxed out here, trying to enjoy it, and we’ll see where that takes us.”

Samooja also birdied the 18th to join Uihlein and Tabuena in a tie for second.

Garcia in the Mix, Defending Champion Struggles

Spain’s Sergio Garcia, fresh off his victory at LIV Golf Hong Kong, carded a 65 and is among a group of seven players tied for fifth.

Defending champion John Catlin struggled early, sitting at four over through five holes, but salvaged a two-over 72.

Meanwhile, Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Ollie Schniederjans was forced to withdraw due to a muscle strain.

With three rounds left, the leaderboard remains stacked with talent. Can Reed maintain his momentum, or will Tabuena, Uihlein, or Garcia mount a charge?