Patrick Reed gains a little ground in Masters title defense

The prospect of keeping his green jacket is still in play for Patrick Reed as he enters the weekend at 1-under-par.

The former Augusta State standout spent most of Thursday and Friday treading water before a birdie on No. 17, finishing a 70 that put him in a tie for 29th heading into the weekend.

“I think I only missed two fairways and the problem was there was just a couple loose iron shots out there today but besides that it felt just pretty steady, pretty solid,” he said. “So, no, if I just keep on tightening it up, if I improve from yesterday, the amount I improved from yesterday to today, if I improve that each day on the weekend we should be able to shoot a low one and get back in this thing.”

Despite the rain Friday morning and afternoon, Reed was surprised at how well the course played.

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“I know they have been just pounded with rain throughout the past month and honestly the golf course is holding up really well,” he said. “The greens are still nice, true and fast. And the only thing is with any type of rain like this is the wind lays down and guys are able to attack, guys are able to hit 5‑ and 6‑irons at greens and being able to hold it. So even though it plays a little longer, any time the greens around here play a little softer it becomes a little easier.”

Reed, more than anyone, knows a lot can happen on Saturday and Sunday at Augusta National. He shot 71 last year in the final round and was nearly caught by two great rounds from Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth. This notion gives Reed the confidence that he’s still in contention with a solid weekend.

“It's going to take a lot of really good golf for 36 holes, but it's definitely doable,” he said.