McIlroy Takes Early Lead at Augusta as DeChambeau Struggles

Rory McIlroy, the defending champion, has taken a share of the lead on the opening day of The Masters, joined by Sam Burns on five under par. McIlroy's bid to become the first back-to-back winner at The Masters since Tiger Woods got off to a dream start, with five birdies in an eight-hole stretch. Justin Rose, Shane Lowry, and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler are also in contention. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau had a nightmare start, struggling to a four-over 76. McIlroy, who is looking to join Jack Nicklaus, Sir Nick Faldo, and Woods as the only players to retain the Green Jacket, found momentum after a slow start, with successive birdies helping him reach the turn in 34. He avoided a repeat of last year's expensive finish, taking advantage of the par-five 15th to pull level with Burns. McIlroy said, 'I felt like I got a lot out of my round. It started pretty scrappy, but I stayed patient and leaned heavily on my experience.'