Fans question golfer Reed's illness claims

World No.10 Patrick Reed is copping flak over his decision to withdraw from the World Super 6 golf event in Perth, with fans questioning the legitimacy of his illness.

Reed had signed on as the top drawcard for this week's Super 6 tournament at Lake Karrinyup, but he pulled out late last month citing a respiratory infection.

However, fans are angry Reed is scheduled to play at this week's Genesis Open at Riviera - the same timing as the Perth tournament.

The 26-year-old rising star also played in recent weeks at the Phoenix Open and at Pebble Beach.

Reed claimed he withdrew from the World Super 6 because doctors advised him not to make such a lengthy trip while he was still recovering.

But it seems fans aren't convinced, with many bagging him on Twitter.

"Jeepers, @PReedGolf looks remarkably well for a bloke too sick to play in Oz this week," one user wrote.

Another added: "Surely with @PReedGolf pulling out of event in Australia this week but playing in US in the #GenesisOpen is a gee up ???? ????"

Reed's withdrawal left tournament organisers scrambling to find an adequate replacement.

Luckily, British Open winner Louis Oosthuizen answered their SOS call, injecting a dose of starpower back into the field.

World No.25 Oosthuizen and No.11 Alex Noren are the early favourites to win the World Super 6 tournament, which starts on Thursday.

Reed's withdrawal means Noren is the highest-ranked player.

"He's a crowd favourite," Noren said of Reed, a five-time winner on the PGA Tour.

"He's kind of like a different type of golfer - very exciting to watch.

"It hurts the tournament that he didn't show up."