McIlroy Takes Early Lead at Augusta as DeChambeau Struggles

Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, made a strong start to his bid for back-to-back Masters titles, sharing the lead with Sam Burns after the opening round at Augusta National. McIlroy, who is seeking to become the first player to retain the Green Jacket since Tiger Woods, carded a 67 to finish five under par. He was joined at the top of the leaderboard by Burns, who set the initial clubhouse target. Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and world number one Scottie Scheffler are among those in contention, but Bryson DeChambeau had a disastrous start, carding a four-over 76. McIlroy's round was marked by a slow start, but he found his rhythm with successive birdies, reaching the turn in 34. He then started a fresh birdie burst, taking advantage of the par-five 13th and 15th holes to pull level with Burns. McIlroy missed a birdie opportunity for the solo lead at the 17th but still equalled the second-lowest opening round by a defending champion. 'I felt like I got a lot out of my round,' McIlroy said. 'It started pretty scrappy, but I stayed patient and played some good golf from the eighth hole onwards.' DeChambeau, meanwhile, struggled to a four-over 76, while former champion Jon Rahm carded a 78. Only 16 players broke par in firm and fast conditions, with Rose, Lowry, and Scheffler all within three shots of the lead.