Rory McIlroy shares Masters lead after statement start to title defence - Defending champion tied with American Sam Burns after carding a five-under-par 67 in first round at Augusta

Rory McIlroy said he was relieved to feel his hand shaking on the first tee of the Masters on Thursday, saying it would have been "worrisome" if he had not been nervous ​despite arriving as the defending champion.

Familiarity breeds success for surging Rory McIlroy on Masters opening day - The defending champion didn’t wilt when beginning his attempt to retain his Masters title and is co-leader overnight alongs

Rory McIlroy made a superb start to the defence of his Masters title as he sits tied for the lead after an opening round 67 at Augusta.

Rory McIlroy got his Masters title defence off to a solid start as he scrambled brilliantly around a firm ​and fast Augusta National on Thursday to grab a share of the first-round lead with Sam Burns,

Rory McIlroy cheered by ‘great start’ as he seeks back-to-back Masters victories - The Northern Irishman is seeking to become only the fourth man to retain the green jacket

Rory McIlroy and Sam Burns both posted opening-round 67s at Augusta National to share the early lead; Shane Lowry, Justin Rose and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler are all three back; watch the second rou

The Masters is underway with defending champion Rory McIlroy in the box seat heading into day two after a superb opening round of 67, to hold the joint lead alongside Sam Burns at five-under.McIlroy took a little while to warm up on the opening day but hit his straps in the second half of his round,