Patrick Reed plays his shot from the fifth tee during the first round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Patrick Reed sinks two eagles, takes early lead at 2026 Masters

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated Apr 9, 2026 12:48 PM ET

No one is having a better Thursday morning at Augusta National Golf Club than Patrick Reed. The 2018 Masters champion eagled not one, but two of his first eight holes to record a scorching 5-under 31 on the front nine. He currently leads by two strokes in the first round of the 2026 Masters.

Reed was a popular pick leading up to the 90th Masters Tournament due to his strong form on the DP World Tour this season. The 35-year-old has already picked up two wins and a runner-up finish this year, and he kept that momentum rolling into Augusta.

On the first hole of his tournament, Reed stuck his approach shot to six feet and drained the birdie putt. That was only the beginning, as he jarred a long eagle putt from off the green on the par-5 second hole. Talk about a dream start.

After five straight pars in the middle of his front nine, Reed got right back to work. On the par-5 eighth hole, he poked a 3 wood up the hill and onto the green for a 56-foot eagle putt. Amazingly, Reed dropped it in from long range for his second eagle of the day. An easy two-putt par on the ninth hole sealed a pace-setting 31 on the front nine.

Can Patrick Reed win the 2026 Masters?

Patrick Reed. 3-under thru 4.

BIRDIE-EAGLE start to his opening round at the Masters.pic.twitter.com/uiy7nsxjrO
— GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 9, 2026

If you don't follow golf outside of the PGA Tour, you probably have no idea how well Reed is playing. The American left LIV Golf and can't rejoin the PGA Tour until next season, so he's been playing on the DP World Tour for the time being. Not only has he been playing overseas; he's been the best player on the European tour in 2026.

After finishing 26th at the Dubai Invitational to start the year, Reed won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, lost in a playoff at the Bahrain Championship and won the Qatar Masters in a three-week span. He also finished T10 at the Joburg Open in his lead-up to the Masters.

Reed's current form is immaculate right now, and he has a stellar track record at Augusta National. The maligned American won a green jacket in 2018, and he's finished third, T12 and T4 in his last four Masters starts.

Reed's combination of strong current form and superb course history made him a serious contender entering the week. After his red-hot front nine, Reed must be taken seriously in his quest for a second green jacket.

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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