With all the big names that were suddenly in contention at the U.S. Open after Dustin Johnson’s Saturday 77, few mentioned Patrick Reed. But he’s reminding everyone just how dangerous he his early on Sunday.
Reed began the day three shots back at six over after he shot a 71 on Saturday. But the 2018 Masters champion fired a four-under 31 on the front nine in the final round to get within one shot of the lead at the second major of the year.
Reed started quickly at the 1st, where a great approach shot left him with a six-footer, which he sank confidently. Reed followed that with a tremendous tee shot at the difficult par-2nd that set up a nine-foot birdie putt.
The Masters champion (@PReedGolf) is making sure he’s a part of the picture today. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/P8Lh1uKggA
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2018
He then smashed a 372-yard drive at the par-4 3rd, and stuck the approach to inside four feet. That birdie moved Reed into a tie for the lead with the four players at +3, who had just started their rounds.
In bowling, it’s called a . Today, it’s a tie for the lead in the #USOpen. pic.twitter.com/XmGRsqf0qs
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2018
Soon after, Brooks Koepka birdied the 2nd and 3rd holes to move into sole possession of the lead, but Reed didn’t back down and continued to keep pace.
At the par-5 5th hole, Reed hit got his second shot up into the front right bunker. From there he splashed it to 18 feet and made the putt to move to two over.
.@PReedGolf wants it. #USOpen pic.twitter.com/7k6gSzjG9A
— U.S. Open (USGA) (@usopengolf) June 17, 2018
After making just his second par of the day at 6, Reed added yet another birdie when he stuck his tee shot to 12 feet and dropped the putt.
That fist pump is coming from a man that is currently tied for the lead at Shinnecock. https://t.co/ylxYJVWOwT pic.twitter.com/6gQsWeifJG
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) June 17, 2018
It was his fifth birdie of the day, and it moved him once again into a tie for the lead with Koepka.
Reed dropped his first shot of the day at the par-9th hole, but at the end of the front he was still four under on the day, and just one shot behind Koepka with nine holes to play.
