Through Thursday at the 2011 Masters, it seems like Rory McIlroy has mastered Augusta National.
Masters Leaderboard: Rory McIlroy Shoots 7-Under 65 To Take Lead
The pride of Northern Ireland was on fire in his first round, making seven birdies and no bogeys for a 7-under 65 that has him two shots clear of the field. Matt Kuchar, currently in second place, is 5-under through 15 holes; the next-best score in the clubhouse is 3-under, shared by Ross Fisher and Brandt Snedeker.
McIlroy has been touted as one of golf’s new stars for a few years now, and his youth (he turns 22 in May) hasn’t gotten in the way of his play. McIlroy tied for third at the 2010 U.S. Open and 2010 PGA Championship, and if he holds onto his lead at Augusta, he would be the youngest Masters champion since some guy named Tiger Woods won it at 21 years, three months, and 14 days in 1997.
In the present day, though, Woods is having an up-and-down round: he played the front nine in 1-under, immediately bogeyed consecutive holes, and has since recovered with birdies on the 13th and 14th holes.
You can view the full leaderboard here. Check back with this StoryStream for updates. And for more on the PGA Tour, check out SB Nation’s golf blog, Waggle Room.
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