He’s not quite the Caped Crusader swearing vengeance on Gotham criminals but the Green Jacket will do for Patrick Reed, writes Nick Rodger.
“The energy that the jacket brings when I wear it out is just awesome,” said the reigning Masters champion of that cherished item of golfing attire.
This particular major champion is very much a major player here on East Lothian’s golf coast as he forms part of a stellar field in the Scottish Open.
This week’s event is a sizeable beast in its own right but with an Open looming next week and a Ryder Cup on the horizon, there’s no avoiding the showpiece occasions that lie ahead.
In his last three majors, going back to last season’s PGA Championship, Reed has finished second, first and fourth.
A links tune up here at Gullane ahead of the Open at Carnoustie will stand him in good stead while the Ryder Cup in Paris is already being eagerly anticipated.
Reed made his debut in the transatlantic tussle at Gleneagles in 2014 and his boisterous antics certainly caught the eye.
His hush-hushing gestures at the crowd led to him being cast as something of a pantomime villain but he revels in being centre stage and he was one of the driving forces of the US romp to victory at Hazeltine in 2016.
He wants to be that talismanic figure again in Paris while he is looking forward to re-engaging with the Scottish galleries this week.
“What happened at Gleneagles (in 2014) you would have thought I would have more enemies over here,” he reflected.
“But every time I come over, the fans are outstanding. I think the reason is that they saw the passion that I have, both for my country and the game of golf. They love that and I feel that has really connected me. with them.”
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