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

I’m going to have to stick in there, to grind it out and that’s something I feel I’ve learned to do since St Andrews.”

On a day that saw Padraig Harrington struggle with a neck injury before signing for a disappointing 77 and Graeme McDowell finish with a 74, McIlroy could do no wrong.

He returned seven birdies in his seven under par round - at the second, where he sensibly laid-up short of the green and got up and down; the third (holing from four feet), fourth (from 20 feet), ninth (10 feet), 11th (eighth feet), 14th (four feet) and 15th (two putts).

“It sounds easy, but it wasn’t,” claimed McIlroy. “This is my ninth Major. I’ve played a Ryder Cup and I’ve had three top-threes in majors.

“That experience helps. I trusted everything. 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.

“I would take 65 all day long, but it could have been lower. 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.

“I’m still relatively inexperienced but I feel as if I’m a pretty quick learner. I mean, there’s no substitute for experience, especially in major championships, and I still feel as if I have a lot of learning to do.”

His plan for the next three rounds is a simple one. “Just to be patient, to realize that you don’t need to play spectacular golf for 72 holes to win,” said the young Ulsterman.

“You just have to hang in there, and grind it out and stay patient.”

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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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