McIlroy – I’m better prepared now

McIlroy: hit an opening-round 65 at Augusta on Thursday

Rory McIlroy hopes history will not repeat itself on Friday, assuming he still holds the lead heading into day two at the Masters.

The Ulsterman surged three shots clear of the field on day one at Augusta after shooting a seven-under-par 65.

He went two strokes better in taking the lead of the Open at St. Andrews last July but then slumped to a second-round 80 when the wind worsened.

However, speaking after his flawless round on Thursday, McIlroy said he now feels better prepared to deal with adversity.

“At the time, it was very disappointing,” the 21-year-old said of his second-round collapse at St. Andrews. “But looking back, it was probably very valuable in my progression as a golfer.

“I hope it will help me,” he said. “I have that experience to draw on, especially being in a similar position to last year at St. Andrews.

“I feel like I’m better prepared to tee off in the second round of a major with the lead.”

Trust

McIlroy took advantage of near perfect conditions for scoring, with the Augusta National course drenched in sunshine and only a gentle breeze blowing.

His round got going at the par-five second with the first of three straight birdies, with more coming at the ninth, 11th, 14th and 15th holes.

“I trusted everything,” McIlroy said. “I trusted where I wanted to hit the ball. That’s the key around here.

“With some of these pins, you can get tentative and try to guide it in there. You just have to pick your targets and trust your swing. I was very happy with the way I did that.”

McIlroy also thought he could have made an even better score.

“I would take 65 all day long, but it could have been lower,” he said, citing a missed birdie chance at the 18th.

“It’s a great start to the tournament. I felt that my game has been good all season. I feel very comfortable with my game and it was nice to see a few putts drop in and hopefully I can build on it.”