McIlroy Shares Masters Lead with Opening 67

Rory McIlroy launched his defense of the Masters title with a resilient five-under-par 67 on Thursday, sharing the early lead with American Sam Burns at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

The Northern Irishman, who captured the green jacket last year to complete the career Grand Slam, overcame a shaky start marked by errant drives to post six birdies against one bogey. He hit just five of 14 fairways but compensated with precise approach shots and clutch putting, particularly on the back nine where he played three under par. McIlroy birdied all four par-fives, including a 30-foot downhill putt at the 15th after punching out from pines, and saved par multiple times from difficult lies, such as chipping sideways from trees at the 13th before holing a 15-footer for birdie.

"I felt the same nerves I always feel" on the first tee, McIlroy said, noting his hand shook as he teed off. "Wherever I hit it on this course, I've seen it all over the past 18 years, so I always feel like I can figure it out." He credited a sense of freedom since his victory for allowing him to swing freely without tentativeness, even after missing fairways early. "If I hit it in the trees, it's okay. I'll...