Over the weekend, the Masters Tournament took place at the Augusta National Golf Club. The tournament is widely known as one of the four major championship tournaments in professional golf. This weekend, it was an underdog's game like any other. Patrick Reed, 27, born in San Antonio, Texas took home the green jacket with a one-stroke win over Rickie Fowler. He was such an underdog in the tournament that fan consensus did not want him to win over the ladder of the big names. Golf fans usually cheer for anyone who can make great shots in a prestigious tournament like the Masters.
None-the-less, Reed has won his first green jacket.
Here are 5 things to know about the 2018 Masters Champion.
5. Reed was a winner in high school.
Reed graduated from University High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He led his high school to state championships in 2006 and 2007. In the first year, he led his high school to a state championship he also won the 2006 Junior British Open. For his efforts, he won the American Junior Golf Association All-American Honors in 2005, 2006, and 2007. He decided to continue his golf career at the University of Georgia.
4. Reed was booted from his University of Georgia team.
ESPN reports that Reed was kicked off of his college team due to cheating allegations on the course and, alcohol-fueled misbehavior, and multiple arrests for being intoxicated.
Reed has always been a boastful guy, and it was reported that it also led to him talking down to younger teammates. It was not just a problem at school, he has some negative family history as well.
3. Reed is estranged from his immediate family.
The most important family in his life right now is his wife, Justine Karain Reed.
She is Reed's former caddy. His brother-in-law now holds Reed's caddy position is also still close in Reed's life. His parents and younger sister, on the other hand, cannot say the same. For undisclosed reasons, Reed has alienated himself from his parents and his younger sister, as well as other members of his family. His parents were expected to watch their son perform in the Masters from their home that is close to Augusta National Golf Club, according to ESPN.
However, his family is not welcome at any of the tournaments that Reed participates in.
2. Reed declared himself one of the top-5 players in the world in 2014.
Years before his win at the Masters, Reed revealed his boastfulness and said in an interview that he was one of the top players in the world. Maybe, for this reason, golf fans are not really his fans. But that does not seem to matter anymore. Reed has won his first green jacket, and by the way, he talks since his win, he likely feels that it will not be his last.
This is a dream come true. I can’t thank everyone enough. Family, friends, and fans- I couldn’t have done it without you all. This is what TEAM REED IS ABOUT! @TheMasters #TheMasters #MastersChamp pic.twitter.com/NBIJAWUvX2
— Patrick Reed (@PReedGolf) April 9, 2018
1. Reed captured two National Championships at Augusta State.
After being kicked off his team at the University Of Georgia, Reed decided to move on to Augusta State.
Augusta State and Augusta National are just under 3.5 miles away from each other. Reed was nearly booted from this team as well. The feeling of winning a Masters that close, where he also seized two NCAA Championships, was a feeling right at home for Reed.
Reed, whether fans like him or not, is now a green jacket holder among the best of them. Reed's boastful style will rub golf fans the wrong way, but this underdog has what he earned with his strategic play at Augusta National Golf Club.