Virtually all of the speak about Rory McIlroy within the build-up to this yr’s Masters associated to the pomp.
As compared, dialogue about whether or not his recreation is there to safe a uncommon back-to-back Masters win felt considerably uncared for.
When final yr’s winner was lastly in a position to deal with his golf on Thursday, McIlroy reminded everybody he’s not in Augusta this week merely to serve up the Champions’ Dinner.
He’s right here to play. And he’s right here to win.
The 36-year-old from Northern Eire shares the first-round lead with American Sam Burns after carding a five-under par 67, guaranteeing anyone who was sleeping on his possibilities has been stirred.
McIlroy was amongst solely 16 gamers within the 91-man discipline to complete underneath par, with circumstances anticipated to get even firmer and sooner over the subsequent three days.
England’s Justin Rose, who was agonisingly denied his first Inexperienced Jacket by McIlroy in a nerve-jangling play-off final yr, is three pictures behind the leaders and alongside world primary Scottie Scheffler on two underneath par.
“I feel profitable a Masters makes it simpler to win your second one,” stated McIlroy, who’s aiming to affix Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods as the one males to retain the Masters.
“It is laborious to say as a result of there are nonetheless pictures on the market that you simply really feel a bit bit tight with, and also you simply have to face up and commit to creating a very good swing and never fear about the place it goes.
“But it surely’s simpler for me to make these swings and never fear about the place it goes after I know that I can go to the champions’ locker room and placed on my Inexperienced Jacket.”
