Rory McIlroy kick-starts his Masters quest alongside two of the States brightest young golfers in Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
The 20-year old Spieth and 23-year old Reed are among 24 rookies teeing up this week at Augusta with Texas-born Reed capturing last month’s WGC – Cadillac Championship title.
And in direct reference to Reed’s comments on the presentations green at Trump Doral that he was now worthy of being top-5 in the world rankings McIlroy cheekily responded the Texan’s comments.
“There’s going to be no Top-5 players in that group,” said McIlroy laughing.
Rory McIlroy playing alongside fellow 20-somethings Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
“No, actually, I played a few holes with Patrick today, actually.
“It’s the first time I’ve ever spent any time with him. Seems like a nice guy. I played with Jordan a little bit, as well. Yeah, it feels funny that they are going to be playing their first Masters and I’m playing my sixth; I feel like the veteran in the group.
“So, it will be good. I’m looking forward to it. Whoever makes the pairings up here always tries to do something interesting, and you know, it should be a fun group.”
McIloy will tee-up Thursday at 10.52am local time while fellow Irishman Graeme McDowell heads out the Irish at 9.35am.
McDowell, competing in his seventh Masters, will join Americans Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker, a three-time winner on this year’s 2013/14 PGA Tour wraparound schedule.
And Darren Clarke celebrating his 500th European Tour event teeing off at 11.47am alongside Masters rookie Stephen Gallacher of Scotland and American Nick Watney.
