Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, has taken an early lead at The Masters, tied with Sam Burns at five under par. McIlroy's strong start included five birdies in an eight-hole stretch, despite a slow beginning to his round.
He is now in contention to become the first back-to-back winner at The Masters since Tiger Woods. Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler are also in the running, while Bryson DeChambeau had a disappointing start with a four-over 76. McIlroy's momentum shifted with successive birdies, helping him reach the turn in 34 and eventually pulling level with Burns.
He avoided a repeat of last year's expensive finish and equalled the second-lowest opening round by a defending champion.