Northern Irish golf ace Rory McIlroy was seven shots adrift of leader Jordan Spieth following the opening round of the 79th Masters at Augusta.
McIlroy, who is aiming to become only the sixth man to win all four majors, made a solid start to the tournament with a battling one-under-par 71, but Spieth, who finished joint runner up to Bubba Watson at last year’s Masters, carded nine birdies to open a three-shot lead with an eight-under 64.
Spieth is yet to win a major but arrived in Georgia in fine form, with a win and two runners-up places in his last three PGA Tour events. He became the first man since Woods in 2011 to record nine birdies in a round, with six arriving in seven holes around the turn, the BBC reported.
Spieth’s fine display in the opening round means McIlroy, who is looking to win his third major in succession, would be determined to get himself firmly in contention with an improved performance in Friday’s second round.
Meanwhile, England’s Justin Rose made an impressive start as he continued his quest for a first Masters title, carding a 67 to sit in a group of four players on five under while former world number one Tiger Woods ended the opening round nine shots off the pace after a one-over 73.
Rose made a strong start to the tournament as he had six birdies and just one bogey to take a share of the clubhouse lead midway through the day, before Spieth made his move, the report added. (ANI)