Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns share the lead at the Masters after the first round at Augusta National. The defending champion carded a five-under-par 67, matching Burns, to sit one shot clear of the chasing pack. McIlroy's round was defined by a strong finish, with birdies at the 13th, 14th and 15th, and a crucial par save at the 18th after finding a bunker off the tee.
McIlroy admitted to feeling the usual nerves on the first tee, but said winning last year has eased the pressure. 'I think winning a Masters makes it easier to win your second one,' he said. 'You just have to stand up and commit to making a good swing and not worry about where it goes.'
Justin Rose, McIlroy's opponent in last year's play-off, opened with a 70, while Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry also posted 70s. Patrick Reed carded a 69 after a flying start, and Kurt Kitayama and Jason Day matched that score. Xander Schauffele is also well placed on two under.
Burns, who has struggled at Augusta in the past, described the course as one where you cannot dwell on history. 'This is not really a golf course where you want to think about the past or the future,' he said. Lowry predicted a tough week ahead, with the forecast suggesting firm and fast conditions that could lead to an attritional battle.
