Patrick Reed is relishing the defence of his Masters title as he tries to join Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods in claiming back-to-back victories at Augusta National.
Reed secured his first major last year after holding off final-day charges from Ryder Cup team-mates Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth.
“It’s been amazing having the (green) jacket around, travelling with it, and allowing other people to see it was definitely a treat,” Reed told his pre-tournament press conference.
“Knowing I have to give the jacket back at the end of the week makes me more motivated to win another one.”
Reed has yet to record a top-10 finish in 2019 and his wife Justine called in renowned coach David Leadbetter for help while Reed was playing his first round at the Valspar Championship.
“I feel like the game now is where it needs to be,” Reed added. “We’ve put in a lot of work basically the entire year.
“When you come here you need to be mentally as well as physically ready to go and play. I’ve put myself in contention in a couple of tournaments, it’s just one round here and there that have hurt me and I need to put four rounds together.”
Reed has lost 10 to 12 pounds since winning the Masters, but admitted some of that could be put back thanks to his choice of menu for Tuesday’s Champions Dinner.
“I’ve lost a little, but the reason why I lost a little is because tonight I knew what kind of menu I was putting out there,” Reed said. ““So I need to leave a little room to be able to fit back into (the green jacket).”
Reed has opted for a bone-in cowboy ribeye for the main course along with two salad options and a collection of creamy side dishes.
