Better prepared now, says champ

MASTERS: REED OFF FORM BUT WORKING FOR A REPEAT

atrick Reed says he’s mentally stronger with better shotmaking entering the Masters than he was last year, when he won the green jacket – even if his results don’t show it.

The American, 28, will defend his first major title next month, but so far hasn’t managed a top10 showing since sharing second in November at Dubai.

“It definitely would help,” Reed said of a strong result. “But honestly I feel like the state of mind I’m in right now is better than it was last year at this point.

“I feel more comfortable. I just need to go out there and put four rounds together.”

Reed, now 16th in the world rankings, reached Augusta National last year after sharing second at the Valspar Championship and seventh at the Arnold Palmer Invitational plus a share of ninth at the WGC Match Play.

This month, he shared 50th at the Palmer and 47th last week at The Players Championship.

“The preparations are going really well,” Reed said. “The thing is to keep building on what we’ve been working on.

“Just being able to work the ball both ways, consistently hit golf shots and put myself in a mind frame – that’s what you need to compete at majors.”

Players winner Rory McIlroy, top-ranked Dustin Johnson, world No 2 Justin Rose and 14-time major winner Tiger Woods are favourites ahead of the April 11 to 14 showdown at Augusta National.

Reed was unfancied last year as well when he out duelled McIlroy to capture the title.

He said: “Augusta doesn’t only challenge your golf game, it challenges your body physically and tests you mentally.

“I can’t wait to get back on the property, walk around the grounds and go into the champions locker room and look at all the names there,” Reed said.

“This year ... to experience what it’s going to be like on the first tee as defending champion, I can’t wait...”

Reed says he has learned from Augusta National that even the best players never stop learning and that “you just have to make sure you’re really sharp in every part of your game.” –