Golf: Rory McIlroy Sets the Pace at the Masters in Augusta

Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy became the youngest ever man to take the lead after the first day of the Masters. Al Dannity says there’s still a lot of Golf to be played before McIlroy can don the Green Jacket.

Rory leads the way
The man seen as Europe’s answer to Tiger Woods is making his mark at the same venue where Woods claimed his first major title. Rory McIlroy’s sizzling 65 set the early pace at Augusta on Thursday. The 21 year old is the youngest ever leader of the first major of the year, breaking Seve Ballesteros’ record. The Spaniard was 23 when he led after the first 18 holes in 1980. McIlroy started strong with birdies at the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 9th holes. He continued the blazing form with further birdies at the 11th, 14th, and 15th. The only disappointment in his round came at the last hole, where he missed an eight-footer for birdie.

McIlroy is joined at the top of the leaderboard by Spain’s Alvaro Quiros, with the duo looking to break the European drought at Augusta. Despite dominating the Ryder Cup in recent years, Europe hasn’t produced a winner of the Masters since Jose Maria Olazabal in 1999. Some of the continent’s other high profile players struggled in on the opening day in Augusta. Golf betting fans will be dismayed by world #1 Martin Kaymer’s horrible +6 showing. Lee Westwood, currently #2 in the world, finished his opening round level par. Luke Donald closed on +1 after 18 holes, making it likely that once again the winner of the Par 3 tournament will fail to win the Masters.

Tiger and Phil well-placed
Reigning champion Phil Mickelson had a steady start to the defense of his title. Mickelson carded a 70 to finish at -2, 5 shots back from the leaders. Lefty has more than enough time over the next three days to claw back that deficit. You can’t win a major on the first day but it’s important to make sure you don’t lose it. Mickelson made sure he remained in contention with a solid round. Tiger Woods is a further shot back from Mickelson on -1. Having played the role of front-runner throughout his career, Woods will want to make up some ground today before making his charge on Saturday. With live betting on Sports Interaction throughout the remaining three rounds at Augusta, it promises to be an exciting weekend of Golf.