McIlroy, Quiros seize Masters lead
Source: Agencies |
April 9, 2011, Saturday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
BRITAIN'S Rory McIlroy, widely tipped as a future world No. 1, produced golf as dazzling as the spring sunshine at Augusta National to charge into a share of the lead at the Masters in Georgia on Thursday.
The Northern Irishman, who recorded top-three finishes in three of the last five majors, fired a flawless 7-under 65 to set the early pace before being caught late in the day by Spaniard Alvaro Quiros, who birdied the last two holes.
South Korean Yang Yong-eun, who became Asia's first male major winner at the 2009 PGA Championship, finished bogey-bogey for a 67 to end a fascinating day of low-scoring level with compatriot K J Choi.
Americans Matt Kuchar and Ricky Barnes opened with 68s while four-time winner Tiger Woods, bidding for his first tournament win in almost 17 months, narrowly missed birdie putts on 15 and 16 before signing for a 71.
Defending champion Phil Mickelson, seeking his fourth Masters title, was 3 under playing the last before missing the green with his approach to record his only bogey of the round for a 70.
In perfect spring weather at Augusta National where birdsong echoed amid the pine trees, McIlroy birdied three of the first four holes and negotiated the tricky Amen Corner loop in 1 under before picking up further shots at 14 and 15.
"I drove the ball really good and when you drive it well, you have a chance to give yourself opportunities for birdies," the 21-year-old told reporters after his red-hot start to the season's opening major.
The Northern Irishman, who recorded top-three finishes in three of the last five majors, fired a flawless 7-under 65 to set the early pace before being caught late in the day by Spaniard Alvaro Quiros, who birdied the last two holes.
South Korean Yang Yong-eun, who became Asia's first male major winner at the 2009 PGA Championship, finished bogey-bogey for a 67 to end a fascinating day of low-scoring level with compatriot K J Choi.
Americans Matt Kuchar and Ricky Barnes opened with 68s while four-time winner Tiger Woods, bidding for his first tournament win in almost 17 months, narrowly missed birdie putts on 15 and 16 before signing for a 71.
Defending champion Phil Mickelson, seeking his fourth Masters title, was 3 under playing the last before missing the green with his approach to record his only bogey of the round for a 70.
In perfect spring weather at Augusta National where birdsong echoed amid the pine trees, McIlroy birdied three of the first four holes and negotiated the tricky Amen Corner loop in 1 under before picking up further shots at 14 and 15.
"I drove the ball really good and when you drive it well, you have a chance to give yourself opportunities for birdies," the 21-year-old told reporters after his red-hot start to the season's opening major.
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