McIlroy: I have nothing to lose – the pressure is on Reed
Patrick Reed extended his lead at The Masters, but the pressure is all on the American, says Rory McIlroy. Keel Timmins wraps up day 3 from Augusta
What happened on Saturday at Augusta?
As poor weather came in, Augusta National relented as Patrick Reed extended his lead at the top of the leaderboard.
Reed has shown over the last few years that he’s an accomplished PGA Tour and Ryder Cup player, but a major championship title has so far proven elusive. Heading into the final round with a three shot lead, this is uncharted territory for the 27-year-old.
Augusta can do funny things to people, especially on the back-nine, especially on a Sunday afternoon. Just ask Reed’s closest rival Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy, who needed a good round to keep his chances of the career grand slam alive this week, shot a magnificent 65 to pile pressure on the front-runner.
.@McIlroyRory chips in for eagle on No. 8 and moves into a tie for the lead with Patrick Reed at 9-under par. #themasters pic.twitter.com/h30vo4zWU7
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 7, 2018
But Reed was equally as good as he eagled both 13 and 15 on his way to a round of 67. The result? A mouth-watering Reed-McIlroy final pairing – we’re in for a thrilling finish if it’s anything like their Ryder Cup match in 2016.
.@PReedGolf extends his lead to five after recording his second eagle of the day on No. 15. #themasters pic.twitter.com/U0xRtG52q7
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 7, 2018
Rickie Fowler and Jon Rahm both signed for rounds of 65 and will be ready to pounce if the front two falter tomorrow and go into the final day at -9 and -8 respectively.
GB&I watch
McIlroy continues to lead the British and Irish charge, but Tommy Fleetwood made a significant move on Saturday afternoon to break into contention. A three-putt bogey at the last wouldn’t take the gloss off a superb 66, which included five birdies in a row from 12-16.
Justin Rose is just outside the top-10, while Matthew Fitzpatrick shot a 67 to get to level-par for the tournament. Paul Casey, Tyrrell Hatton and Ian Poulter are all outside of the top-30.
Click here for the full leaderboard
The talking points
It’s fair to say Patrick Reed is a controversial character – would he be a popular winner of the Green Jacket? The Masters Fourball discuss this and plenty of other stuff.
Every Masters weekend for anyone in the UK presents the same problem: to watch the BBC or Sky Sports? Mark Townsend and Dan Murphy have differing views.
Best stats
Patrick Reed's major record coming into this week – MC-35-MC-58-22-14-20-30-49-MC-12-13-MC-13-MC-2-? pic.twitter.com/bkvy7mcQ93
— Mark Townsend (@MarkTownsendNCG) April 7, 2018
Patrick Reed has shot 69-66 and is 5 under par with 2 holes to play. No one in #TheMasters history has ever shot 4 rounds in the 60s.
Lot of golf left to be played.
— Robert Lusetich (@RobertLusetich) April 7, 2018
That's the first time Dustin Johnson has ever broke par on a Saturday at the Masters.
— Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) April 7, 2018
Quotes of the day
It’s massive [to get into final pairing]. This is my first final group here since 2011 and I feel like I learned an awful lot from that day. I’m really excited to show Patrick Reed what I’ve got tomorrow. All the pressure’s on him tomorrow.
I know what it’s like to be in that [Reed’s] position. It isn’t easy, especially if it’s your first time. I’m going to free wheel it and play like I have nothing to lose, everything to gain.
– Rory McIlroy
I knew some guys were going to shoot some low scores. I just had to stay patient. To play with a guy like Rory [in the final round], it’s going to be a blast.
– Patrick Reed
Betting update
There will be plenty of you out there who will look at Patrick Reed’s three shot lead and be a bit surprised he’s still odds against with many of the bookmakers.
You can get 7/5 on the American and, given what we’ve seen over the first three days at Augusta, that will certainly appeal to the short-priced merchants among you.
Rory McIlroy’s 7/2 finds more favour with me. This isn’t the Ryder Cup and you’d like to think he could bring his experience of having won four majors to bear against Reed if he senses weakness.
Most firms are still offering three places and, while you can’t get 50/1 on Jon Rahm anymore, I like the idea of backing him again each-way at 12s at 1/5 of the odds.
The Spaniard has got better and better and his Saturday 65 tied McIlroy and Fowler for the low round of the day.
Tee times
Click here for the final-day tee times.
The Masters leaderboard 2018
Rory vs. Reed: The Masters showdown everyone wanted
Who do you NOT want to win The Masters?
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
