Rory McIlroy will play the first two rounds of the Players Championship alongside defending champion Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa. Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images
2018 Masters: Rory v Patrick, what’s with all the beef?
It’s all about to go down at the 2018 Masters on Sunday. Who will it be? Will Patrick Reed be able to get it done for the first time or will Rory McIlroy finally add that Green Jacket he so desperately wants?
Rory McIlroy will play the first two rounds of the Players Championship alongside defending champion Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa. Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images
You’d be forgiven for thinking that this year’s Ryder Cup has come early. Two players, one American, one European, going head to head with fans evenly split down the middle.
Rewind six months, and no, we’re not quite there yet. But instead, at Augusta National where the 2018 Masters champion is set to be crowned following Sunday’s much-anticipated final round.
America’s Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, of course, have quite a bit of history when the two went shot for shot during their 2016 Ryder Cup singles match at Hazeltine.
Reed got the better of McIlroy that time and try as they may, there is no denying there will be plenty of heat when the two tee it up at 20.40 tonight, SA time.
Contender 1: Patrick Reed
Major wins: none
Advantage: Three-shot lead, currently at 14-under
Heading into this week, Reed had never broken 70 in 12 career rounds at the Masters, but has been in the form of his life during the first three days. His 54-hole total of 202 is only two shots shy of the record set by Jordan Spieth in 2015 (200). The 27-year-old, known for wearing Tiger red on Sundays, is also bidding to become the first player in Masters history to post all four rounds in the 60s with rounds of 69, 66 and 67 in the bag already.
Was spotted using an umbrella from the 2016 Ryder Cup on Saturday. Hmmm, interesting.
What he’s saying:
I’m not out there to play Rory. I’m out there to play the golf course. And at the end of the day, if I’m pleased with how I play, it should be an enjoyable Sunday night.
Contender 2: Rory McIlroy
Major wins: 4
Advantage: Knows how to get it done on a Sunday at a Major
McIlroy arrived at Augusta National on a mission to complete his career grand slam. Having won the Open Championship (2014), US Open (2011) and PGA Championship (2012 and 2014, there is nothing more the 28-year-old wants more than a Green Jacket.
His desire is further fuelled by the meltdown he suffered in 2011 when he carded a final round 80 allowing his final round lead of four shots to fizzle away. But after Saturday’s spectacular seven-under round of 65, that is a rather distant memory for now.
What he’s saying:
I feel like Patrick has got a three-shot lead. I feel like all the pressure is on him … he’s got a few guys chasing him that are pretty big-time players. He’s got that to deal with and sleep on tonight.
