Paige Spiranac has leapt to the defence of Patrick Reed, saying the controversial American star is “good for golf”.

Reed is at the centre of fresh controversy after sparking claims he cheated when he picked up his ball during the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open.

The American picked up his ball to see if it was embedded before a rules official arrived, and he was subsequently allowed a free drop.

Replays showed Reed’s ball had bounced before sinking into deep rough, which he later admitted would suggest it didn’t embed, but no one was aware of that at the time.

Reed, who has had rules-related issues in the past, faced several media questions about it afterward and said he believed he handled the matter properly, given what he knew. Tour officials agreed.

However fans, pundits and a number of fellow players weren’t impressed.

Amidst the backlash, golfer-turned-media star Spiranac has thrown her support behind Reed despite multiple controversies.