McIlroy charges into lead at Augusta
AUGUSTA, Georgia (AFP) — Rory McIlroy charged into a commanding first-round clubhouse lead in the 75th Masters yesterday, sinking seven birdies for a stunning round of 65.
At 21, he was the youngest first-round leader in the tournament’s history, bettering the 23-year-old Severiano Ballesteros, who went on to win his first green jacket in 1980.
The Ulsterman had purposely favoured a low-key approach to his third campaign at Augusta National after missing the cut last year and it paid immediate dividends as he bagged three birdies in a row from the second.
He went out in 32 and picked up more shots at 11, 14 and 15, where his eagle putt came agonisingly close to dropping in, before signing for a pace-setting 65, his best round to date at Augusta by five shots.
McIlroy was three strokes clear of Matt Kuchar of the United States, with England’s Ross Fisher, Brandt Snedeker of the United States, Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa next best a further stroke back.
Tied on 70 were South African veteran Retief Goosen, Sean O’Hair of the United States, Camilo Villegas of Colombia, Gregory Havret of France, Rickie Fowler of the United States and Hiroyuki Fujita of Japan.
Playing conditions at Augusta National were set to be perfect for low scoring with warm and sunny weather forecast throughout the day for the 99-strong field, the largest in 45 years.
But among those who failed to find their touch were world No 1 Martin Kaymer, who struggled to a 78, and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, who had a disappointing 77.
Tiger Woods opened with a 71 and world No 2 Lee Westwood had a level par 72.
The tournament looked as open as it has been for years with defending champion Phil Mickelson the favourite and with four-time champion Woods looking to record his first tournament win in almost 18 months.
They were facing a daunting challenge from a bursting-with-confidence European contingent that now dominates the world top 10.
Woods, tied for fourth here last year, set out in the company of US Open champion Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland and Robert Allenby of Australia.
The 14-time major winner, whose ultimate goal remains Jack Nicklaus’ benchmark of 18 majors, made a quiet start with five straight pars before he got into red figures with a birdie at the par-three sixth.
