Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2, experienced familiar first-tee jitters at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday. Despite his career grand slam win last year, McIlroy felt the same nerves he's always had, a sign that the Masters still means something to him.
McIlroy was scrappy for the first seven holes before finding his range and form, shooting five-under par for the last 11 holes. He tied for the lead in the opening round, a feat achieved only six times in the tournament's 90-year history.
McIlroy admitted he didn't feel the same nerves in a few tournaments last year but was relieved to feel them again at the first major of the season. He credited his short game for helping him escape tricky situations and said he was happy with his five-under par score.
McIlroy was joined at the top by American Sam Burns, who eagled the second hole and made four birdies against a solitary bogey. England's Justin Rose leads world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler by one stroke after shooting a three-under par 69.
