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The Masters 2017: Rory McIlroy updated leaderboard after Round 1

By John Buhler

Apr 6, 2017; Augusta, GA, USA; Rory McIlroy hits out of a bunker on the 2nd hole during the first round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Augusta, GA, USA; Rory McIlroy hits out of a bunker on the 2nd hole during the first round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rory McIlroy shot a 72 (0) in Round 1 of the 2017 Masters. Where did McIlroy look good on the course and where does he stack up on the leaderboard?

The 81st playing of The Masters Tournament was under way on Thursday, Apr. 6 at Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Georgia. Though the landscaping was spectacular as usual, the weather was rather lousy. It made for a largely unimpressive first day of the tournament. At least popular Northern Ireland golfer Rory McIlroy held his own.

McIlroy shot a 72 to finish the day at even par. After shooting three bogeys (1, 3, 8) on the front-nine, McIlroy rebounded with three birdies on the back-nine (13, 15, 16). His most signature moment of the tournament so far was his birdie on 16.

He and Spain’s Jon Rahm both had outstanding first shots off the tee on that par-3. The late afternoon pairing came within yards of the pin. McIlroy was largely stunned by his shot on 16 that he didn’t give Rahm the fist bump he wanted after seeing that glorious drive.

Most of the golfers struggled with the wind on Thursday. It didn’t really matter what someone’s tee time was, the weather was difficult the whole. Guys like McIlroy were able to overcome a few bad holes to tread water around par for a chance at going under on Friday.

If it’s a sign of good things to come for McIlroy, his great play on the back-nine could lead to him catching fire on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Through Round 1, McIlroy is in a seven-way tie for 12th at even par. Here’s how the top of the leaderboard looks through day one.

1. Charley Hoffman -7
2. William McGirt -3
3. Lee Westwood -2
T4. Russell Henley -1
T4. Kevin Chappell -1
T4. Andy Sullivan -1
T4. Matthew Fitzpatrick -1
T4. Phil Mickelson -1
T4. Justin Rose -1
T4. Jason Dufner -1
T4. Sergio Garcia -1
T12. Soren Kjeldsen 0
T12. Thomas Pieters 0
T12. Paul Casey 0
T12. Ernie Els 0
T12. Matt Kuchar 0
T12. Shane Lowy 0
*T12. Rory McIlroy

To gain some steam in Round 2, McIlroy will need to hope that leader Charley Hoffman stumbles on Friday, as well as continue to shoot well on holes 10-12. Those holes have historically wrecked McIlroy. He shot even par through those three holes on Thursday. Maybe that’s a sign of good thing to come on Friday?

Next: 5 best moments in Masters history

McIlroy and Rahm will tee off from Augusta National on 1:41 p.m. ET on Friday. That pairing will be split up for the second half of The Masters, assuming they both make the cut after tomorrow’s Round 2.

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