Rory McIlroy expressed satisfaction at feeling nervous before his Masters title defense, channeling those jitters into a five-under 67 to share the first-round lead at Augusta National.
The Northern Irishman, who completed the career Grand Slam with his 2025 Masters victory, said the familiar pressure of a major championship sharpened his focus. He carded six birdies against one bogey in his lowest opening round at the Masters since 2011, tying American Sam Burns atop the leaderboard.
"We're playing the first major of the year. It's the Masters. If I felt absolutely nothing on that first tee, that's not a good sign," McIlroy told reporters. "So it was nice to feel my hand shaking a little bit when the tee went into the ground, and struggle to put the ball on top of the tee. That's why we want to be here. We want to be able to try to play our best golf when we're feeling like that."
McIlroy, 36, described the nerves as transient but welcome, noting they dissipated after the opening tee shot. Despite an erratic start that saw him miss fairways on several early holes, he played the first seven in level par before catching fire with five birdies between the eighth and 15th holes.
He credited his short game and extensive Augusta experience—this marks his 18th Masters appearance—for salvaging a strong round from imperfect ball-striking. McIlroy birdied all four par-fives despite finding trouble off the tee, demonstrating the course management that has become a hallmark of his mature game.
"I couldn't have asked for much more, especially after the way I started," McIlroy said. "I'm even more pleased playing the first seven holes in even par. And then when I started to swing it a bit better, I could string some good holes together and make some birdies. I definitely relied on my short game and my experience."
With conditions expected to toughen as the tournament progresses, McIlroy emphasized the need for improved accuracy off the tee. The world number two is attempting to join golf legends Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods as only the fourth player to win consecutive Masters titles.
"The course is going to be difficult and fiery, the greens will be firm and fast," McIlroy cautioned. "I'll have to have my wits about me and really think my way around. If I find myself in tough spots, don't compound the error, try to get it up around the green, get it up and down and move on."
Three shots behind McIlroy sits his friend and Ryder Cup teammate Shane Lowry, who posted a two-under 70 in what he described as a "rollercoaster" opening round.