Reed says ‘outcast’ status helped him win
AUGUSTA, GEORGIA: Patrick Reed says his outcast status among golf fans played into his hands during his gutsy Masters victory at Augusta National.
Starting the final round yesterday with a threeshot lead, the American’s lovehate relationship with the US sporting public was evident whenhis playing partner in the final group, Rory McIlroy, received a warmer reception on the first tee.
Northern Irishman McIlroy, a fourtimes major winner, was the clear crowd favourite as he tried to complete golf’s career grand slam.
But Reed brushed aside McIlroy and other challengers during a 1underpar 71 that earned the Texan his maiden major title — with a total of 15under and a oneshot win from world No 8 Rickie Fowler (67).
‘‘When Rory walked up to the tee, his cheer was a little louder,’’ Reed (27) said.
‘‘Not only did it fuel my fire a little bit, it just took the pressure off me and added it back to him.’’
The galleries at Augusta also appeared desperate to hoist another hero on their shoulders, when 2015 Masters champion Jordan Spieth made a sizzling Sunday run.
Spieth racked up nine birdies in 16 holes to surge into a share of the lead but a bogey at the 18th killed off his hopes.
Reed’s polarising public image stems from several controversial moments earlier in his career. He played a year of college golf at the University of Georgia before being dismissed from the team and was accused in a book excerpt, published last week, of cheating and stealing from teammates.
But he rejected the allegations, saying he was dismissed for alcohol violations.
He transferred to Augusta State college and, despite a successful stint there, had more offcourse problems.
Another public relations hiccup came in 2014 when Reed, aged 23, became the youngest player to win a WGC event.
He then announced he ‘‘truly [believed] I am a topfive player in the world,’’ despite being ranked No 44 at the time.
But after his Masters win yesterday, Reed stood his ground.
‘‘Honestly, I don’t ever regret anything I really say
‘‘I stand by my comments; I feel I’ve played some golf I needed to play in order to get to where I want to be, and that’s to be the best golfer in the world.
‘‘I’m just happy to [achieve] one of my biggest goals . . . to win a major.’’
Reed has also been estranged from his parents and younger sister for several years.
The disconnection came to a head at the 2014 US Open, when police escorted Reed’s parents, Bill and Jeannette, off the grounds before the USGA confiscated their credentials.
But Reed has also turned saviour for American golf, earning the nickname ‘‘Captain Amer ica’’ for a swashbuckling performance at the 2016 Ryder Cup when he beat McIlroy to help Team USA to a dominant victory over Europe.
Meanwhile, Spanish world No 3 Jon Rahm (69) finished outright fourth in the Masters at 11under.
The 2013 Masters winner, Australian Adam Scott ( 71) shared 32nd at oneover, the same score as did 14time major winner Tiger Woods, who carded a finalround 69. — AAP