Patrick Reed shines with two eagles and fights for the title at the Masters.

Patrick Reed stuns Augusta: two eagles, just two strokes off the lead at the 2026 Masters!

Augusta National is on fire! Patrick Reed, the former Masters champion from 2018, once again demonstrated why he is one of the most feared figures in world golf. With an explosive start on the first day of the 2026 Masters, Reed finished the opening round with an impressive 3 under par, thanks to two brilliant eagles, leaving him just two strokes behind the leader. This performance confirms that the American is more than ready to face the challenges of the legendary course, known for testing the best in the world.

Reed’s triumphant return to the PGA Tour, after leaving the controversial LIV Golf, is making waves. He announced his departure from the Saudi league just 10 weeks ago, and since then has been racking up victories and podium finishes on the DP World Tour, proving that competing with the elite is where he truly belongs. “I always knew that the PGA Tour offers the deepest competition, with the best players in the world,” Reed stated, emphasizing his passion for measuring himself against the greatest.

And don’t think the battle will be easy. The weather conditions in Augusta are about to toughen: intense heat, strong winds, and increasingly firm and treacherous greens promise to turn the tournament into a true test of endurance. “If they want, they can make this course really difficult,” warned Reed, who is not afraid of the challenge. “This is a course where, if you hit the right shots, you are rewarded.”

Patrick Reed’s history in Augusta leaves no doubt. Since his spectacular victory in 2018 – where he withstood the pressure from Rickie Fowler and triumphed by a stroke – Reed has a clear strategy: attack the course, not hide. “Let it flow and play golf,” is his motto, and the results speak for themselves. In the first round, Reed made two impressive eagles on holes 2 and 8, including a colossal 56-foot putt that fired up the crowd and gave him an extra boost.

But not everything went perfectly. On hole 15, the fierce player saw a 7-wood shot overshoot the green and land in the water, an unexpected situation. “I didn’t think the ball would go that far,” commented Reed, who nonetheless remains confident to take risks whenever the opportunity arises.

The condition of the greens is also causing a stir: they are firm, crusty, and bouncing, making every putt a true lottery. “This course already has teeth,” warned Reed, confirming predictions from experts like Shane Lowry and Tommy Fleetwood, who consider this Masters one of the most demanding in recent years.

But it is precisely this brutal scenario that seems to empower the former champion. “In 2018, I decided to approach the tournament differently and that paid off,” he stated. “If you win more battles than you lose, you have a good chance of winning.” Reed remains true to this philosophy, ready to fight until the last putt.

Patrick Reed is back and more dangerous than ever. With the ambition to don the Green Jacket once again and face the best, the 2026 Masters promises to be a must-see spectacle. Get ready for strong emotions in Augusta!

This article first appeared on Apito Final.