Masters 2018: Rory McIlroy reveals what he really thinks of Patrick Reed pairing
RORY McILROY has shared his thoughts on his final-day pairing at the Masters with Patrick Reed.
Rory McIlroy is three shots off the lead
McIlroy will tee off last alongside Reed at Augusta for the fourth round later today, with the latter three shots ahead on -14.
A round of 65 for McIlroy - who is chasing the career Grand Slam - equalled his best ever round at the Masters.
The Northern Irishman who carded a bogey-free round, couldn’t stop Reed who picked up two late eagles to forge ahead.
While McIlroy is Reed’s closest challenger, he was quick to point out that there are still other contenders.
It worked in my favour. I'm going to set myself a target tomorrow and try to get to it
“There are still a few more players in this tournament than Patrick Reed and I," McIlroy said.
“I think there's Rickie Fowler on nine, Jon Rahm on eight, there are still a few guys who have got a chance.
"I told myself not to look too much at the leaderboard and I didn't.
“It worked in my favour. I'm going to set myself a target tomorrow and try to get to it."
Patrick Reed will be in the final pairing alongside Rory McIlroy
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McIlroy has painful memories of his collapse in 2011 when he blew a four-shot lead and he insists he has learned from that.
He added: “I'm a much more experienced person and player than I was when I had my previous best chance in 2011.
"I learned a lot that day and everything I did learn I hope to put into practice tomorrow."