Patrick Reed claimed he loves being in “the spotlight” after shooting an opening 71 to be the early LIV clubhouse leader at the Masters.
And the 2018 Masters champion insisted he still knows what it takes to compete at the top level. “Last time I checked, I'm the one with the Green Jacket,” he said.
The Ryder Cup star has dropped down to world No.70 after playing only six events this year. But after carding four birdies and three bogeys, Reed said: “I love when the spotlight is there. If you ask any of these guys who are competitors, they love the spotlight and have that adrenaline going through them when they come down on Sunday.
“Does it make me laugh when people say my standard has dropped off and when you hear people say LIV players have dropped off or can’t compete anymore?
“Yeah, it does. Last time I checked, I'm the one with the Green Jacket. We all know the standard. You go out and shoot anywhere from - depending on what the weather is - anywhere from 12 to 18-under, you're going to win this golf tournament.
"But on a day like today, you'd love to get a lot closer than 1-under par. It's just what it is. Golf's golf. You go out and play the best you're supposed to, you do things you're supposed to do, you can go out and shoot low numbers.
"It just happens to be we're doing it on a different tour than other guys. Do I feel I play with a chip on my shoulder? I think that's normal. I think every athlete does.”
Reed and Sergio Garcia (74) claimed they had not seen the Sports Resolution arbitration ruling against LIV players. But Thomas Pieters, who also carded an opening 74, said: “It is what it is. We had it coming. It's just part of the deal, I guess.
"I would love to play at home. I would love to play my home Open. I don't see how it's good for the game if I have to skip the tournament. They're just hurting themselves really. But you've got other players coming through, I guess."
There are now 17 LIV players left in the field after Kevin Na pulled out after nine holes because of “illness”.
Get £30 in free bets when you sign up to bet365 and bet £10 on the Masters - 18+ T&Cs apply #ad
