Sports

Masters 2011: Rory McIlroy grabs first-round lead Thursday afternoon

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland had a terrific first round at the Masters 2011 golf tournament Thursday. Several other golfers are also under par.

Mike Segar/Reuters

Rory McIlroy (R) of Northern Ireland shakes hands with Rickie Fowler (L) of the U.S. on the 18th green as they completed first round play in the 2011 Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, April 7.

By Pat Murphy

April 07, 2011, 4:30 p.m. ET

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy charged out of the gate in the first round of the Masters Thursday, shooting a seven under 65 at Augusta National to take the early lead.

He is joined in the clubhouse by American Matt Kuchar, who shot a four under 68.

Spain's Sergio Garcia, Brandt Snedeker of the US and England's Ross Fisher all fired three under par 69s on Thursday.

A sizable group of golfers, including Camilo Villegas, Rickie Fowler, and Retief Goosen, are in the clubhouse, tied at two under par.

Tiger Woods did not make any kind of big move on the tournament's first day, staying around even par, until recording birdie at the 14th hole to go one under. The four-time former Masters champion is six shots back after his first round.

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