Rory McIlroy fires shots at Patrick Reed ahead of Masters final day
McIlroy says "I'm ready to spoil the party" as he looks to deny Reed his first major title.
Rory McIlroy has started the mind games early with 54-hole Masters leader Patrick Reed heading into their final-round pairing today.
McIlroy fired a flawless 65 at Augusta National on Saturday to move within three strokes of Reed in second, and most importantly get himself into the final group with the American and set up a rematch of their 2016 Ryder Cup singles clash where Reed narrowly came out on top.
Reed, 27, is going for his first major win in 17 attempts, while McIlroy, 28, is bidding to become the sixth golfer to win the career Grand Slam. The Ulsterman also wants to gatecrash the party.
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"I'm really excited to show everyone what I've got, to show Patrick Reed what I've got and all the pressure is on him," said McIlroy.
"He went to Augusta State University and has a lot of support and I'm hoping to come in here and spoil the party."
McIlroy added: "I can't imagine there's going to be much chat out there. At the end of the day it's business and we're both trying to do something pretty special."
The four-time major champion also reiterated he is in his best mental state during a major tournament, a far cry from when throwing away the Masters on Sunday's back nine in 2011.
"I'm a much more experienced person and player than I was when I had my previous best chance in 2011," said McIlroy.
"I've been waiting for this chance, to be honest.
"I always have said that 2011 was a huge turning point in my career. It was the day that I realised I wasn't ready to win major championships, and I needed to reflect on that and realise what I needed to do differently.
"But now I am ready."
It's not just a two-horse race for the green jacket, however, with Rickie Fowler five strokes adrift and Jon Rahm six off the pace.
In 16 previous major starts, Reed only has the one top-10 finish coming with a tie for second in his last major start at the 2017 US PGA.
