Patrick Reed Revisits 2018 Breakthrough While Chasing Another Masters Opportunity

Apr 11, 2026, 7:36 PM CUT

May 29, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; Patrick Reed plays his shot from the sixth tee during the final round of the Charles Schwab Challenge golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports

Patrick Reed has made a strong start at The Masters, putting himself firmly in contention as he chases another Green Jacket.

He sits just behind leader Rory McIlroy after back-to-back rounds of 3-under 69, building on the kind of form that saw him win the 2018 title by one stroke over Rickie Fowler with a score of 15-under-par (273).

At a press conference at The Masters Tournament on April 10, Reed reflected on that victory, saying, “Oh, I mean, after winning in '18, at that point I definitely felt like I have always wanted to put it on a second time, I think the biggest thing really is you always dream as a golfer to go out and try to win the green jacket.”

February 8, 2026, Doha, Qatar: Patrick Reed of the United States seen in action during fourth round of the Qatar Masters 2026 golf tournament at the Doha Golf Club. Doha Qatar - ZUMAs197 20260208_aaa_s197_381 Copyright: xNoushadxVariyattiyakkalx

Reed was 27 when he won his first Green Jacket, and his hunger for another has never faded, with six top-12 finishes at The Masters in the last eight years highlighting his strong form at Augusta National.

“As players and as professional golfers, you always have to believe in yourself that you can. Until you do, you always have that just little voice of doubt in the back of your mind,” Reed stated.

He left LIV Golf earlier this year and has since been competing on the DP World Tour while working toward a return to the PGA Tour, entering The Masters in excellent form with two wins and a runner-up finish.

Reed noted he closed out the win in 2018 and is hopeful for a second title after creating several good opportunities since.

Just behind McIlroy, Reed will look to play good golf and reach the top of the leaderboard this weekend.

Reed Comments On The Conditions

“But the thing about this golf course, when it starts playing firm and fast, yeah, you'll have shorter clubs in some greens, but they get so crusty and bouncy that you have to be so precise on iron shots. Then, when you get above the hole, you have to putt so defensive,” Reed said.

Dry conditions at Augusta National, caused by no rain and low humidity, have quickly dried the putting surfaces, with some greens even showing a rare tinge of brown.

Reed said he is happy with his position and will see how the weekend unfolds, hoping for a strong performance heading into Sunday.

As Augusta National’s greens firm up, precision will be crucial, especially at key holes like the 12th and 13th, with Reed needing to control his approaches and avoid leaving himself above the hole to stay in contention over the weekend.

Written by

Avishek Sarkar

Edited by

Pulkit Prabhav