A look at where Rory McIlroy sits after Round 1 of The Masters
Seeking to complete the final leg of the career Grand Slam, Rory McIlroy scrambled to shoot 2 under 70 to keep himself in contention after 18 holes at Augusta. Four bogeys, four birdies and an eagle kept McIlroy near the top of the leaderboard for most of the afternoon, but bogeys on 16 and 18 dropped him four shots back of first round leader Jordan Spieth.
"Watch @McIlroyRory reveal his new approach to #themasters this year.https://t.co/1pJL6Mb0Lk— Masters Tournament (@TheMasters) April 5, 2016"
Even par after six holes, McIlroy birdied holes seven and nine to finish the front nine at -2 and stay near the front of the pack. An eagle at the par-5 13th got McIlroy to four under, but bogeys at both 16 and 18 dropped him from second place all the way back to a four-way tie for 9th.
Just like last year, it was red-hot Spieth who set the pace with a six under 66. After bogeying 18, a clearly frustrated McIlroy threw his putter at his bag and ran his fingers through his hair as he walked off the course. A round which was at times spectacular and at other times inconsistent, McIlroy’s reactions showed just how much of a challenge closing at Augusta can be.
Golfing in the last group of the day, McIlroy knew exactly what he was chasing all day. Golfing in increasing shadows and oftentimes severe winds, McIlroy said he was disappointed with the way he finished, calling the tough conditions consistent.
Twelve players, including McIlroy, are within four shots of the lead heading into Friday.
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