Reed, McIlroy pairing set up for some real fireworks at Masters

AUGUSTA, Ga. >>

There’s something about Rory McIlroy that brings out the best in Patrick Reed, and what better place to let that play out than today’s final round of the 82nd Masters.

Standing out in the eighth fairway waiting for McIlroy and Henrick Stenson to clear the par-5 green, Reed was even for his round and ahead of his Ryder Cup nemesis by two shots as the Northern Irishman was busy making his move.

McIlroy trailed Reed by five to start the round in dreary conditions that stayed around all day, but he casually chipped in for eagle off the right side of that eighth green to draw even at 9 under for the tournament, much to the delight of the Augusta National crowd as a roar went up that could be heard far and wide.

It didn’t bother Reed a bit.

He birdied the eighth, ninth and 10th holes to build a three-shot advantage heading to Amen Corner as McIlroy lost some momentum on the back nine he didn’t really regain until birdieing the last hole to finish 7 under for his round and 11 under after 54 holes.

Reed, who had two bogeys on the back nine at the par-3 12th and 16th holes that were offset by a pair of impressive eagles at Nos. 13 and 15, heard the McIlroy roar at the 18th as he prepared for a tricky 10-footer for par at the 17th. Much like McIlroy at the finishing hole, Reed rammed his in to maintain his advantage that had been five after the brilliant chip-in eagle at the 15th. With McIlroy safely in the clubhouse and in the process of giving a television interview, Reed hit two solid shots to set up a birdie putt that was on a similar line to McIloy’s but maybe 5 feet closer to the 18th hole. He just missed it wide right to shoot a 5-under 67 and drop to 14 under for the tournament to stay three up going into today’s final round.

It sets up a magical pairing for golf fans, who will remember the famous Ryder Cup duel between McIlroy and Reed in 2016 in the match-play format that Reed eventually won. It won’t be just the two of them this time because Rickie Fowler sits in third at 9 under after shooting a 7 under of his own, with Jon Rahm another shot back in fourth at 8 under after firing a blistering 65 as well.

There are many story lines here for those who follow golf. McIlroy is attempting to complete the career grand slam and join some pretty elite company — Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods — if he manages to finish first today.

He is clearly the crowd favorite, which will either play on Reed’s mind or serve as motivation. Everyone in this neck of the woods knows all about Reed’s misadventures at Georgia that led him to Augusta State when he played college golf. Some fans yelled “Go ’Dogs” at him during the round as a reminder of him leaving the school under suspicious circumstances where theft and cheating were alleged, but denied by Reed.

He transferred to Augusta State, where he led the small college to a pair of national championships, including beating Georgia’s Harris English in the decisive match 2 and 1. The story goes that he was so disliked by his teammates at Augusta State they hoped English would beat him as long as Augusta still won, and that they held a team meeting to see if they wanted to kick him out.

Reed and Bubba Watson are often viewed as the most disliked golfers on the PGA Tour. During his round on Saturday, he hit some amazing shots that the crowd recognized with cheers and applause, but nothing compared to McIlroy. Not once did Reed doff or touch the brim of his cap in recognition of their cheers, something most golfers do all the time.

As a result, McIlroy will be the crowd favorite today, despite Reed’s heroics at the local small college.

Reed also drops F-bombs like Tiger Woods that go out over the air from time to time, much to the chagrin of the tour and network executives. He wears Woods’ traditional red and black on Sunday, and when he declared himself one of the top five players in the world in 2014 without having ever competed in a major, it wasn’t received too well by his contemporaries.

To say he’s the most controversial golfer on tour would be an understatement. The final pairing of Reed and McIlroy is kind of like Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker playing a round of golf with their lightsabers. It sets up an entertaining final in which the pressure will be intense. Don’t forget McIlroy’s history here. He blew a four-shot lead at the 2011 Masters with a final-round 80 and hasn’t really threatened to win a green jacket since.

Even if you don’t like golf, this final round sets up to be one of the best in history. Coming in, all the hype centered on Tiger Woods’ return. He, too, will be decked out in his traditional red and black today, but the only one wearing it who has a chance to win will be Reed.

Star-Advertiser sports editor Paul Arnett is reporting from the Masters this week.