United States captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-moves-clear-as-woods-surges-in-bahamas-266577">Tiger Woods</a> has decided to sit out Saturday morning's fourball matches against the Internationals at the Presidents Cup.

Justin Thomas, whose partnership with Woods at Royal Melbourne has helped keep the United States in touch with the Internationals, has instead been paired with Rickie Fowler.

The US&nbsp;pair will face Australian Marc Leishman and China's Li Haotong, who has been handed his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/presidents-cup-internationals-stun-us-to-lead-presidents-cup-4-1-267935">Presidents Cup</a> debut by captain Ernie Els on the third day of the biennial competition.

Woods has decided to stick with the misfiring combination of Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson, sending them out for a third time despite defeats in the first two days, to face Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan.

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, whose Friday win over Adam Hadwin and Joaquin Niemann helped the United States hold the Internationals to a 6.5-3.5 lead, take on South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Abraham Ancer in an all-rookie match.

Tony Finau is back in the US&nbsp;line-up after being rested on Friday and will partner Matt Kuchar against Australian Adam Scott and An Byeong-hun of South Korea.

The pairings for Saturday afternoon's foursome matches have yet to be announced.

United States captain Tiger Woods has decided to sit out Saturday morning's fourball matches against the Internationals at the Presidents Cup. Justin Thomas, whose partnership with Woods at Royal Melbourne has helped keep the United States in touch with the Internationals, has instead been paired with Rickie Fowler.

United States captain Tiger Woods has decided to sit out Saturday morning's fourball matches against the Internationals at the Presidents Cup. Justin Thomas, whose partnership with Woods at Royal Melbourne has helped keep the United States in touch with the Internationals, has instead been paired with Rickie Fowler. The US pair will face Australian Marc Leishman and China's Li Haotong, who has been handed his Presidents Cup debut by captain Ernie Els on the third day of the biennial competition. Woods has decided to stick with the misfiring combination of Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson, sending them out for a third time despite defeats in the first two days, to face Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, whose Friday win over Adam Hadwin and Joaquin Niemann helped the United States hold the Internationals to a 6.5-3.5 lead, take on South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Abraham Ancer in an all-rookie match. Tony Finau is back in the US line-up after being rested on Friday and will partner Matt Kuchar against Australian Adam Scott and An Byeong-hun of South Korea. The pairings for Saturday afternoon's foursome matches have yet to be announced.

Golf: Tiger Woods to sit out Saturday fourballs at Presidents Cup

American golfer<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-moves-clear-as-woods-surges-in-bahamas-266577"> Patrick Reed </a>has denied cheating in a tournament last week and hit out at International team players for saying he had, as a little edge entered proceedings on Tuesday ahead of the Presidents Cup.

Reed received a two-stroke penalty for improving his lie when he moved sand with his practice swing on Friday at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hero-world-challenge-patrick-reed-takes-sole-lead-in-round-2-266723">Hero World Challenge </a>in the Bahamas. The incident has dominated the run-up to the biennial contest, which begins on Thursday.

Cameron Smith was quoted in Australian media as saying Reed had been "cheating the rules" and some of his International teammates said the American had exposed himself to some flak from the crowd through his actions.

Former Masters champion Reed fired back at a news conference on Tuesday, saying "cheat" was inaccurate because he had not seen the sand move and the officials concurred that he inadvertently improved his lie.

"It's not the right word to use," he said. "If you do something unintentionally that breaks the rules, it's not considered cheating...

"If you're intentionally trying to do something, that would be considered cheating, but I wasn't intentionally trying to improve a lie or anything like that...

"It's just wrong, it's just not right."

United States captain Tiger Woods on Monday said he had spoken to Reed about the incident and was keen to draw a line under it as he looked to extend the Americans' seven-match winning streak at the Presidents Cup.

The 15-times major champion sank the winning putt the time the contest was last held at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-wont-dial-down-the-passion-at-presidents-cup-261792">Royal Melbourne</a> in 2011 when the Australian crowd was criticised by some Internationals for being over-awed by the Americans.

Reed suspected the row was being used by the Internationals to ensure that it did not happen again.

"Of course they are going to speak out because they want to get their crowds going and get on their side. That's the name of the game," he said.

Reed said he hoped any banter with the crowd remained respectful and that the row over his violation had made him more determined to win.

"It goes from wanting to beat those guys to it now turning personal, so it's going to be a fun week," he said.

American golfer Patrick Reed has denied cheating in a tournament last week and hit out at International team players for saying he had, as a little edge entered proceedings on Tuesday ahead of the Presidents Cup.

American golfer Patrick Reed has denied cheating in a tournament last week and hit out at International team players for saying he had, as a little edge entered proceedings on Tuesday ahead of the Presidents Cup. Reed received a two-stroke penalty for improving his lie when he moved sand with his practice swing on Friday at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. The incident has dominated the run-up to the biennial contest, which begins on Thursday. Cameron Smith was quoted in Australian media as saying Reed had been "cheating the rules" and some of his International teammates said the American had exposed himself to some flak from the crowd through his actions. Former Masters champion Reed fired back at a news conference on Tuesday, saying "cheat" was inaccurate because he had not seen the sand move and the officials concurred that he inadvertently improved his lie. "It's not the right word to use," he said. "If you do something unintentionally that breaks the rules, it's not considered cheating... "If you're intentionally trying to do something, that would be considered cheating, but I wasn't intentionally trying to improve a lie or anything like that... "It's just wrong, it's just not right." United States captain Tiger Woods on Monday said he had spoken to Reed about the incident and was keen to draw a line under it as he looked to extend the Americans' seven-match winning streak at the Presidents Cup. The 15-times major champion sank the winning putt the time the contest was last held at Royal Melbourne in 2011 when the Australian crowd was criticised by some Internationals for being over-awed by the Americans. Reed suspected the row was being used by the Internationals to ensure that it did not happen again. "Of course they are going to speak out because they want to get their crowds going and get on their side. That's the name of the game," he said. Reed said he hoped any banter with the crowd remained respectful and that the row over his violation had made him more determined to win. "It goes from wanting to beat those guys to it now turning personal, so it's going to be a fun week," he said.

Golf: I did not cheat, says Reed, as Presidents Cup gets personal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-wont-dial-down-the-passion-at-presidents-cup-261792">Patrick Reed</a> edged into a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Thursday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Tiger Woods</a> bounced back into contention after a lacklustre opening round.

Former Masters champion Reed carded a second consecutive six-under-par 66 to finish the second round at 12 under for the tournament at Albany Golf Club.

After strong winds which buffeted the course on Wednesday, Reed was among several players who took advantage of less hostile conditions to post a low-scoring round.

The American started slowly, picking up two birdies over the front nine to reach the turn at two-under for the round.

Back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes were followed by two more on 14 and 15, and although a bogey on the 16th followed, Reed recovered with a birdie on the last.

"I feel good," Reed said afterwards. "I feel like the game's a lot clearer than it was earlier this year. I'm giving myself opportunities and the putter's working."

US Open champion Gary Woodland, who had shared the first-round lead on Wednesday, posted a three-under-par 69 to finish the day alone in second place at nine-under.

Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Spain's Jon Rahm shared the third spot on eight under, four off the lead.&nbsp;

Stenson moved up the leaderboard after a five-under-par 67 while Rahm shot a six-under-par 66.

Tournament host Woods meanwhile came back strongly after his disappointing 72 on Wednesday, hitting a bogey-free 66.

Also watch:&nbsp;Tiger Woods: Return of the Winning Machine

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Woods' round burst into life on the back nine, with the former world number one snaring an eagle three on the par-five 11th to launch his charge down the stretch.

Woods followed it with birdies on the 12th, 14th and 16th holes to finish on six under after 36 holes, six shots back from Reed.

"Yesterday was tough with the wind blowing, especially with the putts," Woods said. "But today was a little less windy, the ball was flying and I got after it.

Woods, who will captain and play for the United States at the <a href="wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Presidents Cup</a> next week in Australia, is confident about his chances heading into the final two rounds.

"I didn't really do anything poorly today," he said. "I just want to keep creeping my way back. I'm right there.&nbsp;

"Few shots back but at least I've got a chance going into the weekend."

Patrick Reed edged into a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Thursday as Tiger Woods bounced back into contention after a lacklustre opening round.

Patrick Reed edged into a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Thursday as Tiger Woods bounced back into contention after a lacklustre opening round. Former Masters champion Reed carded a second consecutive six-under-par 66 to finish the second round at 12 under for the tournament at Albany Golf Club. After strong winds which buffeted the course on Wednesday, Reed was among several players who took advantage of less hostile conditions to post a low-scoring round. The American started slowly, picking up two birdies over the front nine to reach the turn at two-under for the round. Back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes were followed by two more on 14 and 15, and although a bogey on the 16th followed, Reed recovered with a birdie on the last. "I feel good," Reed said afterwards. "I feel like the game's a lot clearer than it was earlier this year. I'm giving myself opportunities and the putter's working." US Open champion Gary Woodland, who had shared the first-round lead on Wednesday, posted a three-under-par 69 to finish the day alone in second place at nine-under. Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Spain's Jon Rahm shared the third spot on eight under, four off the lead. Stenson moved up the leaderboard after a five-under-par 67 while Rahm shot a six-under-par 66. Tournament host Woods meanwhile came back strongly after his disappointing 72 on Wednesday, hitting a bogey-free 66. Also watch: Tiger Woods: Return of the Winning Machine × Woods' round burst into life on the back nine, with the former world number one snaring an eagle three on the par-five 11th to launch his charge down the stretch. Woods followed it with birdies on the 12th, 14th and 16th holes to finish on six under after 36 holes, six shots back from Reed. "Yesterday was tough with the wind blowing, especially with the putts," Woods said. "But today was a little less windy, the ball was flying and I got after it. Woods, who will captain and play for the United States at the Presidents Cup next week in Australia, is confident about his chances heading into the final two rounds. "I didn't really do anything poorly today," he said. "I just want to keep creeping my way back. I'm right there. "Few shots back but at least I've got a chance going into the weekend."

Golf: Patrick Reed moves clear as Tiger Woods surges in Bahamas

Match Report - Round 2 saw 'Captain America' Patrick Reed jump into the lead. WION's sports editor Digvijay Singh Deo summaries the day's play at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas with eminent golf writer V Krishnaswamy.

Hero World Challenge: Patrick Reed takes sole lead in Round-2

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Tiger Woods</a> as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris.

His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections.

Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US&nbsp;captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne.

"Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday.

"It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game.

"That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf."

His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea.

Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up.

"Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said.

"I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course."

The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again.

"My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said.

"Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup. The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with Tiger Woods as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris. His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections. Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne. "Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday. "It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game. "That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf." His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea. Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up. "Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said. "I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course." The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again. "My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said. "Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Reed won't dial down the passion at Presidents Cup

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-crazy-it-was-definitely-stressful-tiger-woods-after-winning-us-pga-event-in-japan-258403">Tiger Woods</a> selected himself as one of his four captain's picks to play for the United States in the next month's Presidents Cup against the International team and said he was confident his creaky knee could stand up to the strain.

The 15-times major champion also named Tony Finau, Patrick Reed and Gary Woodland for the biennial tournament which pits the United States against a team representing the rest of the world minus Europe.

Woods will be the first playing captain since Hale Irwin led the Americans to a 20-12 win in the inaugural event in Virginia in 1994 and recently issued a timely reminder of his class by winning the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-zozo-championship-second-round-washed-out-on-friday-258052">Zozo Championship</a> in Japan.

That victory saw him tie Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA Tour wins and also gave him confidence in his left knee two months after having undergone arthroscopic surgery.

"The long haul to Australia is very much like the one to Japan, and seeing how my body felt and how I reacted in Japan and how I was able to play, it certainly gives me a lot of confidence that it will hold up over the long haul down to Australia," he told reporters on a conference call on Friday.

"It's going to be difficult, but also I have three amazing assistants with Fred (Couples), Strick (Steve Stricker) and Zach (Johnson), and that helps a lot."

Woods overlooked Ryder and Presidents Cup mainstay Rickie Fowler, who has not played since the Tour Championship .

Former world number one Jordan Spieth was also omitted for the Dec. 12-15 tournament at Royal Melbourne after struggling through a difficult season.

There may yet be another addition to the team, pending the fitness of world number one Brooks Koepka, who aggravated a knee problem when he slipped on wet concrete during the CJ Cup in South Korea three weeks ago.

"I did have coffee with 'Brooksy' this morning," said Woods.

"All I can tell you is he's rehabbing and he's trying to get better, trying to get ready and let him focus on that. Just let him do that and put energy into that."

Woods has a Presidents Cup record of 24 wins, 15 losses and one halved match and knows Royal Melbourne well having played there in the 1998 event and rolling in the winning putt at the same venue in 2011.

Woods was cautious about how much he would play, however, noting that he would only need to meet a two-match minimum according to the competition's rules.

Featuring seven players in the top 10, the United States play an International team with none, and so will be heavily favoured to continue a winning record dating back to 2005.

"Yeah, on paper, we certainly have the advantage in the world rankings," said Woods.

"When it comes right down to it, like I told the guys, when you start out on Thursday, it's 0-0. We have to go out and win this Cup."

Tiger Woods selected himself as one of his four captain's picks to play for the United States in the next month's Presidents Cup against the International team and said he was confident his creaky knee could stand up to the strain.

Tiger Woods selected himself as one of his four captain's picks to play for the United States in the next month's Presidents Cup against the International team and said he was confident his creaky knee could stand up to the strain. The 15-times major champion also named Tony Finau, Patrick Reed and Gary Woodland for the biennial tournament which pits the United States against a team representing the rest of the world minus Europe. Woods will be the first playing captain since Hale Irwin led the Americans to a 20-12 win in the inaugural event in Virginia in 1994 and recently issued a timely reminder of his class by winning the Zozo Championship in Japan. That victory saw him tie Sam Snead's record of 82 PGA Tour wins and also gave him confidence in his left knee two months after having undergone arthroscopic surgery. "The long haul to Australia is very much like the one to Japan, and seeing how my body felt and how I reacted in Japan and how I was able to play, it certainly gives me a lot of confidence that it will hold up over the long haul down to Australia," he told reporters on a conference call on Friday. "It's going to be difficult, but also I have three amazing assistants with Fred (Couples), Strick (Steve Stricker) and Zach (Johnson), and that helps a lot." Woods overlooked Ryder and Presidents Cup mainstay Rickie Fowler, who has not played since the Tour Championship . Former world number one Jordan Spieth was also omitted for the Dec. 12-15 tournament at Royal Melbourne after struggling through a difficult season. There may yet be another addition to the team, pending the fitness of world number one Brooks Koepka, who aggravated a knee problem when he slipped on wet concrete during the CJ Cup in South Korea three weeks ago. "I did have coffee with 'Brooksy' this morning," said Woods. "All I can tell you is he's rehabbing and he's trying to get better, trying to get ready and let him focus on that. Just let him do that and put energy into that." Woods has a Presidents Cup record of 24 wins, 15 losses and one halved match and knows Royal Melbourne well having played there in the 1998 event and rolling in the winning putt at the same venue in 2011. Woods was cautious about how much he would play, however, noting that he would only need to meet a two-match minimum according to the competition's rules. Featuring seven players in the top 10, the United States play an International team with none, and so will be heavily favoured to continue a winning record dating back to 2005. "Yeah, on paper, we certainly have the advantage in the world rankings," said Woods. "When it comes right down to it, like I told the guys, when you start out on Thursday, it's 0-0. We have to go out and win this Cup."

Natural selection: Tiger Woods picks himself for Presidents Cup

Patrick Reed has yet to string together four solid rounds of golf this year and would like to find some consistency before setting off on his Masters title defence next month.

Reed is fresh off a share of 47th place at The Players Championship and only eight days removed from a T-50 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational but for the 28-year-old American there is no need to panic ahead of the April 11-14 Masters.

"I've put myself in position and have put some solid rounds together, I just haven't quite put four out there yet at the same time," Reed told a pre-Masters conference call on Monday.

"I feel like I'm really close. I feel like I've got the bag where I feel really comfortable and confident with it, and now it's just get some more reps (golf) underneath me and just kind of get ready for Augusta."

Reed took the golf world by storm with a one-shot victory at last year's Masters, where he spent much of the week at Augusta National Golf Club under he radar until storming into a two-shot lead after the second round.

The American led by three strokes going into the final round and turned back an early challenge from Rory McIlroy and then held off later charges from Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler to capture his first major title.

The Masters triumph was the most recent of Reed's six PGA Tour victories and while he knows a win going into the year's first major would be a welcome boost it is far from necessary.

"It definitely would help but, honestly, I feel like my mindset and state of mind that I'm in right now is better than it was last year at this point," said Reed.

"I've hit golf shots and have done things on the golf course that I feel a little bit more comfortable this year doing than I did last year at this point, but I just need to go out and continue playing to put four rounds together."

Reed will compete in the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida, starting on Thursday, and then in next week's World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play event in Austin before setting his sights on Augusta.

While Reed would love to snag a victory ahead of his Masters title defence he insists his main goal is simply to find more consistency in his game before making his way to Augusta.

"The preparations have been going really well. I feel like I am in as good form, if not a better place, than I was last year at this time," said Reed.

"The big thing is just to continue to build and grow on the things that we've been working on -- my coach and I and my team and I -- throughout the year, and just get ready and kind of get in playing shape for the tournaments coming up."

Patrick Reed has yet to string together four solid rounds of golf this year and would like to find some consistency before setting off on his Masters title defence next month.

Patrick Reed has yet to string together four solid rounds of golf this year and would like to find some consistency before setting off on his Masters title defence next month. Reed is fresh off a share of 47th place at The Players Championship and only eight days removed from a T-50 at the Arnold Palmer Invitational but for the 28-year-old American there is no need to panic ahead of the April 11-14 Masters. "I've put myself in position and have put some solid rounds together, I just haven't quite put four out there yet at the same time," Reed told a pre-Masters conference call on Monday. "I feel like I'm really close. I feel like I've got the bag where I feel really comfortable and confident with it, and now it's just get some more reps (golf) underneath me and just kind of get ready for Augusta." Reed took the golf world by storm with a one-shot victory at last year's Masters, where he spent much of the week at Augusta National Golf Club under he radar until storming into a two-shot lead after the second round. The American led by three strokes going into the final round and turned back an early challenge from Rory McIlroy and then held off later charges from Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler to capture his first major title. The Masters triumph was the most recent of Reed's six PGA Tour victories and while he knows a win going into the year's first major would be a welcome boost it is far from necessary. "It definitely would help but, honestly, I feel like my mindset and state of mind that I'm in right now is better than it was last year at this point," said Reed. "I've hit golf shots and have done things on the golf course that I feel a little bit more comfortable this year doing than I did last year at this point, but I just need to go out and continue playing to put four rounds together." Reed will compete in the Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida, starting on Thursday, and then in next week's World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play event in Austin before setting his sights on Augusta. While Reed would love to snag a victory ahead of his Masters title defence he insists his main goal is simply to find more consistency in his game before making his way to Augusta. "The preparations have been going really well. I feel like I am in as good form, if not a better place, than I was last year at this time," said Reed. "The big thing is just to continue to build and grow on the things that we've been working on -- my coach and I and my team and I -- throughout the year, and just get ready and kind of get in playing shape for the tournaments coming up."

Patrick Reed seeking consistency ahead of Masters title defence

Be it a green jacket winner or a total greenhorn, the sheer beauty of Augusta National leaves everyone spellbound. I can only imagine the emotions that Patrick Reed must have gone through while putting on that green jacket on Sunday afternoon after winning the 2018 Masters. 
&nbsp; 
The Augusta National is a true celebration of the world of golf - the big stage where the Gods of the golf vie for the honours and glory. 
&nbsp; 
Out of all my trips and commitments around the world, this is the one date I look forward to. I have been coming to Augusta for over a decade now and my fascination with the place has only grown with time. 
&nbsp; 
While the efficiency of the Augusta National, the immaculate course and the seriousness to keep up the traditions are a huge draw for the golfer in me, the smart engagements around the tournament that give a big boost to the economy of Augusta and Georgia are management lessons for everyone. The town has a population of around 600,000, but come Masters week, it attracts upwards of 50,000 spectators each day. At Augusta National, however, they are referred to as 'patrons' of the game. 
&nbsp; 
Tradition and Old-World charm sit comfortably with the latest technology that goes into conducting a world-class sports tournament of this scale and stature. And yet they keep the patrons gushing with reasonably priced food like the famous Pimento sandwiches for just US$ 1.50 and unlimited supplies of draft beer for $1.00 per glass all-day long! 
&nbsp; 
Augusta is a golfing pilgrimage for every golfer.&nbsp; Relaxing with fellow-enthusiasts on the banks of Savannah River, the little moments of indulgence on the Magnolia Lane and private concerts in the land of James Brown - the Godfather of Soul - Augusta during the Masters is a treat for the senses. 
&nbsp; 
I know how excited and eager Tiger Woods was to get to back to golf, and to Augusta National. He missed being at Augusta the past few years but was thrilled to be back to his favourite hunting ground. While he may not have won, he was surely the centre of attraction all this week. It is just a matter of time before he will be vying for the Majors, and winning too.

As an Indian, I am also proud that we have had our share of golfers competing at the Masters. After Jeev Milkha Singh became the first Indian to compete in 2007, Arjun Atwal and Anirban Lahiri have also showed their prowess here. Now we have young Shubhankar Sharma, who has been shining all over the globe with his golf game. While he missed the cut this time around, I am convinced we will hear more about him in the very near future. 
&nbsp; 
It is the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player who have made Augusta Masters the tournament it has become, and now Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth are carrying on the great legacy ever so gracefully. If there is one place on earth that every golf lover dreams of going, it is the Augusta National during the Masters.

(The author is Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hero MotoCorp)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The young and the old, the experienced and the rookies, Augusta is a pilgrimage for everyone, and they just wait to return every year.

Be it a green jacket winner or a total greenhorn, the sheer beauty of Augusta National leaves everyone spellbound. I can only imagine the emotions that Patrick Reed must have gone through while putting on that green jacket on Sunday afternoon after winning the 2018 Masters. The Augusta National is a true celebration of the world of golf - the big stage where the Gods of the golf vie for the honours and glory. Out of all my trips and commitments around the world, this is the one date I look forward to. I have been coming to Augusta for over a decade now and my fascination with the place has only grown with time. While the efficiency of the Augusta National, the immaculate course and the seriousness to keep up the traditions are a huge draw for the golfer in me, the smart engagements around the tournament that give a big boost to the economy of Augusta and Georgia are management lessons for everyone. The town has a population of around 600,000, but come Masters week, it attracts upwards of 50,000 spectators each day. At Augusta National, however, they are referred to as 'patrons' of the game. Tradition and Old-World charm sit comfortably with the latest technology that goes into conducting a world-class sports tournament of this scale and stature. And yet they keep the patrons gushing with reasonably priced food like the famous Pimento sandwiches for just US$ 1.50 and unlimited supplies of draft beer for $1.00 per glass all-day long! Augusta is a golfing pilgrimage for every golfer. Relaxing with fellow-enthusiasts on the banks of Savannah River, the little moments of indulgence on the Magnolia Lane and private concerts in the land of James Brown - the Godfather of Soul - Augusta during the Masters is a treat for the senses. I know how excited and eager Tiger Woods was to get to back to golf, and to Augusta National. He missed being at Augusta the past few years but was thrilled to be back to his favourite hunting ground. While he may not have won, he was surely the centre of attraction all this week. It is just a matter of time before he will be vying for the Majors, and winning too. As an Indian, I am also proud that we have had our share of golfers competing at the Masters. After Jeev Milkha Singh became the first Indian to compete in 2007, Arjun Atwal and Anirban Lahiri have also showed their prowess here. Now we have young Shubhankar Sharma, who has been shining all over the globe with his golf game. While he missed the cut this time around, I am convinced we will hear more about him in the very near future. It is the likes of Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player who have made Augusta Masters the tournament it has become, and now Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Bubba Watson and Jordan Spieth are carrying on the great legacy ever so gracefully. If there is one place on earth that every golf lover dreams of going, it is the Augusta National during the Masters. (The author is Chairman, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Hero MotoCorp) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Augusta Masters, a grand stage for Gods of Golf

Fired up by analysts predicting a win for Rory McIlroy, not to mention an Augusta National crowd that seemed to be backing the Northern Irishman to complete the career grand slam, Patrick Reed powered to a one-stroke victory at the U.S. Masters on Sunday.

Reed, who saw off a fading McIlroy by the turn, then had to survive challenges from U.S. Ryder Cup teammates Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler before sinking a par putt at the last to win the Green Jacket and his first major championship.

"Listening to all the analysts this morning, every single one of them except (one) would pick Rory (McIlroy)," said Reed, who teed off with a three-shot lead over the Northern Irishman.

"It just seemed like the pressure at that point was kind of lifted off. No one expects me to go out and win. I expect to win. Everyone else, even though they said all those great things about how I was playing, they thought Rory was going to win."

Reed also noticed the different receptions he and McIlroy received from the gallery.

"(Walking) up to the first tee I had a really welcoming cheer from the fans but when Rory walked up he had a little louder," said Reed.

"It takes the pressure off me and hands it back to him. Rory’s cheer was a little louder."

Apart from a first-hole bogey, Reed was impervious to the pressure for most of the day, watching McIlroy, in his quest for the career grand slam, self-destruct.

He then kept his nose in front of Fowler and Spieth for a one-shot victory, making clutch putts down the stretch, including a nerve-jangling five-footer for par at the penultimate hole, to shoot 71 and finish on 15-under 273.

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On a cool and crisp Georgia afternoon, several of the game’s biggest guns made spirited runs at <a href="https://twitter.com/PReedGolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PReedGolf</a>, but one by one, he turned them away. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/87HcCSoRyO">https://t.co/87HcCSoRyO</a>
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/983157635603206145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"To win your first major is never going to be easy," he said. "I knew it was going to be a dog fight.

"I always watch leaderboards, whether it’s the first hole on Thursday or the last hole on Sunday.

"I saw Jordan and Rickie storm up those leaderboards. I knew when I birdied 14 it was about the same time Jordan bogeyed the last.

"I knew at that point as long as there weren’t any catastrophic implosions coming in it was going to be between Rickie and I.

"The way those guys played towards the end, having to go shoot under par (in the final round to win your) first major was hard."

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Watch 2018 Masters champion <a href="https://twitter.com/PReedGolf?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PReedGolf</a>'s final round in under three minutes. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/iKjPTYRt74">pic.twitter.com/iKjPTYRt74</a>
— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/983155033683324928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He won in his fifth start at Augusta, the city where he went to university, Reed said this was the one he wanted to win.

"Definitely growing up everybody dreams about winning the Masters," he said.

"Today was the hardest mentally a round of golf could possibly be.

"It was awesome and satisfying to make those clutch putts on the back nine."

Patrick Reed powered to a one-stroke victory at the U.S. Masters on Sunday

Fired up by analysts predicting a win for Rory McIlroy, not to mention an Augusta National crowd that seemed to be backing the Northern Irishman to complete the career grand slam, Patrick Reed powered to a one-stroke victory at the U.S. Masters on Sunday. Reed, who saw off a fading McIlroy by the turn, then had to survive challenges from U.S. Ryder Cup teammates Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler before sinking a par putt at the last to win the Green Jacket and his first major championship. "Listening to all the analysts this morning, every single one of them except (one) would pick Rory (McIlroy)," said Reed, who teed off with a three-shot lead over the Northern Irishman. "It just seemed like the pressure at that point was kind of lifted off. No one expects me to go out and win. I expect to win. Everyone else, even though they said all those great things about how I was playing, they thought Rory was going to win." Reed also noticed the different receptions he and McIlroy received from the gallery. "(Walking) up to the first tee I had a really welcoming cheer from the fans but when Rory walked up he had a little louder," said Reed. "It takes the pressure off me and hands it back to him. Rory’s cheer was a little louder." Apart from a first-hole bogey, Reed was impervious to the pressure for most of the day, watching McIlroy, in his quest for the career grand slam, self-destruct. He then kept his nose in front of Fowler and Spieth for a one-shot victory, making clutch putts down the stretch, including a nerve-jangling five-footer for par at the penultimate hole, to shoot 71 and finish on 15-under 273. On a cool and crisp Georgia afternoon, several of the game’s biggest guns made spirited runs at @PReedGolf, but one by one, he turned them away. #themasters https://t.co/87HcCSoRyO — Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 9, 2018 × "To win your first major is never going to be easy," he said. "I knew it was going to be a dog fight. "I always watch leaderboards, whether it’s the first hole on Thursday or the last hole on Sunday. "I saw Jordan and Rickie storm up those leaderboards. I knew when I birdied 14 it was about the same time Jordan bogeyed the last. "I knew at that point as long as there weren’t any catastrophic implosions coming in it was going to be between Rickie and I. "The way those guys played towards the end, having to go shoot under par (in the final round to win your) first major was hard." Watch 2018 Masters champion @PReedGolf's final round in under three minutes. #themasters pic.twitter.com/iKjPTYRt74 — Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 9, 2018 × He won in his fifth start at Augusta, the city where he went to university, Reed said this was the one he wanted to win. "Definitely growing up everybody dreams about winning the Masters," he said. "Today was the hardest mentally a round of golf could possibly be. "It was awesome and satisfying to make those clutch putts on the back nine."

Golf: Patrick Reed thrives on underdog role to clinch first major

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