McIlroy solid but not spectacular
Rory McIlroy may not have set the world alight with his opening 71 at the Masters on Thursday, but was happy with the round all the same.
The World No 1, chasing a career Grand Slam at the age of 25 after earlier victories at the Open Championship, US Open and PGA Championship, mixed two bogeys with three birdies in his 1-under-par effort.
It wasn’t the best of totals on a day when low scores were definitely on offer, but McIlroy seemed happy to just get the round out of the way.
“It was nice to get out there and finally play,” McIlroy told ESPN. “I felt like it was a solid start. Anything under par today is a decent score.”
McIlroy’s driver didn’t let him down, but his iron play did. He frequently got himself into great positions, but could only hit 12 of 18 greens in regulation.
“If I can drive the ball like I did today and maybe just hit a few iron shots closer, I should be right there,” the Northern Irishman added.
“It feels good, it’s nice to get on with the tournament. It was a long time coming. As I said, I’m glad to get started and pretty satisfied with the first day.”
McIlroy also started with a 71 last year, and followed it up with a 77 to spoil his chances. He’ll be hoping for a lot better on Friday.
Latest
-
NewsTiger Woods withdraws from Hero World Challenge due to foot problem
The former world number one has not played since the Open Championship in July.
-
NewsTiger Woods to partner son Charlie in next month’s PNC Championship
Woods has not played since the Open Championship in July.
-
The MajorsI want to fulfil my dreams – Adam Scott in no mood to lower expectations
Scott is seeking a third Australian PGA Championship title this week in his native Queensland.
-
Ryder CupNicolas Colsaerts named a vice-captain for Europe’s Ryder Cup team
The Belgian joins Thomas Bjorn and Edoardo Molinari on Luke Donald’s staff.
-
NewsIreland’s Ancient East: Golf attractions alongside stunning beauty of Kildare
Ireland has a rich mix of tourist attractions across its varied and beautiful terrain.
-
European TourRory McIlroy crowned top golfer in Europe despite Jon Rahm claiming Dubai title
The Spaniard’s two-shot victory over England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Sweden’s Alex Noren was his third in six years at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
-
LPGA TourLeona Maguire shoots day’s best to tie Lydia Ko in chasing LPGA’s largest prize
Maguire is chasing her second title while Ko is close to claiming her second straight LPGA Tour player of the year.
-
European TourRory McIlroy edges ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick in race to be European number one
McIlroy’s third round of 65 at the DP World Tour Championship put him back ahead of his rival in the rankings.
-
LPGA TourLydia Ko firms lead for biggest prize in women’s golf history at LPGA finale
The 25-year-old turned a one-shot lead into a five-shot edge as she chased down the two-million-dollar (£1.6million) prize.
-
European TourMatt Fitzpatrick leading race to become European number one
Rory McIlroy gave the Yorkshireman something to think about with a late blitz.