Rory McIlroy says he can win green jacket at US Masters

Irishman is first round co-leader with spectacular 65

CATHAL DERVAN,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Friday, April 8, 2011, 7:19 AM

Updated Friday, April 8, 2011, 9:30 AM

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Rory McIlroy at during Thursday's play at the U.S. Masters

Rory McIlroy is confident he can try on the green jacket in Butler’s cabin at the close of the Masters tournament this weekend.

But he will readily accept the luck of the Irish when he continues his quest for the most famous green jacket in the world at Augusta today.

A proud and confident McIlroy goes into the second round of the US Masters top of the leaderboard, level on seven under par with the Spaniard Alvaro Quiros and two shots clear of Korean duo YE Yang and KJ Choi.

The 21-year-old McIlroy, playing in his third Masters, shot a sparkling 65 on Thursday to set the early pace at Augusta and establish a lead that lasted all day until Quiros matched him in the final grouping of the opening round.

The flawless display by McIlroy brought back memories of his opening 63 at last year’s British Open at St Andrews – but the young man from Bangor in County Down will be keeping his fingers crossed that his second round 80 in that tournament isn’t repeated today.

It shouldn’t be if McIlroy’s brilliance amongst the azaleas on Thursday can be maintained for the second round of the first Major of the year.

“I wouldn’t say it was as spectacular as my 63 at St. Andrews, but it was very solid from start to finish,” said McIlroy as the world acclaimed his brilliance.

“I think what happened at St. Andrews will be a massive help to me. Looking back, it was a valuable lesson in my development.

“At the time, it was very disappointing but looking back, it was probably very valuable in my progression as a golfer.

“I hope it will help me. 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.

“It’s possible I can go out and shoot another 65, but I know it’s also very likely that I’m not going to do that.

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ciarrai | Apr 11, 2011, 12:17 AM EDT

Ooops.

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jfabitz | Apr 10, 2011, 09:38 PM EDT

Ordinary golfers tank on Sunday when the heat is on. That said, I was wrong about Couples beating Roar-me...they tied.

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jfabitz | Apr 09, 2011, 08:21 AM EDT

Rory quote from another irishcentral aticle - "The 21-year-old from Northern Ireland told the press he believes Woods is playing "like an ordinary golfer" now and he doubts whether the old magic will ever return. Doesn't sound like a cocky 21 year old to me. Hope he gets to play with Woods on Sunday! My money is on the 51 year old Couples to place higher than McIlroy.

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nicgearailt | Apr 08, 2011, 09:22 PM EDT

there's a very good reason for Rory's good play at the Masters..it's called preparation....full explanation in today's New York Times... he also seems to have taken a big step in managing the emotional aspect of the game..well done Rory... glad to hear that the car story was a lie...but he may have enemies who would like to derail his ambitions..

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DavyOMalley | Apr 08, 2011, 12:50 PM EDT

That Bugatti stuff was completely untrue. Rory called it "total bollocks." I wish him well this week. Go Rory!

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PhlutiePhan | Apr 08, 2011, 12:32 PM EDT

There is another article on this thread on this site that states that McIlroy "plunked down" over 2 million dollars for a Bugatti custom made car. This brands him as irresponsible and much worse than Tiger Woods in that department. He could have set up a fundation to help in one way or another. Instead, we have a "spoiled brat" who is seeking adulation.

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