Alvaro Quiros
Rory McIlroy produced dazzling golf at Augusta National to charge into a share of the lead with Alvaro Quiros of Spain, on the opening day of The Masters.
The Northern Irishman, who recorded top-three finishes in three of the last five majors, fired a flawless seven-under-par 65 to set the early pace before being caught late in the day by Quiros, who birdied the last two holes.
South Korean Yang Yong-eun, who became Asia's first major winner at the 2009 PGA Championship, bogeyed the last two holes for a 67 to end a fascinating day of low-scoring level with compatriot K.J. Choi.
Americans Matt Kuchar and Ricky Barnes opened with 68's while four-times winner Tiger Woods, bidding for his first tournament win in almost 17 months, narrowly missed birdie putts on 15 and 16 before signing for a 71.
Defending champion Phil Mickelson, seeking his fourth Masters title, was three under playing the last before missing the green with his approach to record his only bogey of the day for a 70.
In near-perfect spring weather at Augusta National, McIlroy birdied three of the first four holes and negotiated the tricky Amen Corner loop, from 11 to 13, in one under before picking up further shots at the 14th and 15th.
"I drove the ball really good and when you drive it well, you have a chance to give yourself opportunities for birdies," the 21-year-old told reporters.
"I hit my irons really good but I just stayed committed to the targets I was picking. I was playing smart and really just trying to leave myself in the best possible place. I did a good job of that today."
At last year's British Open, McIlroy collapsed from a record 63 to a second-round 80 in brutal winds at St. Andrews but he felt he could only learn from that experience.
"Looking back on it, it was a very valuable lesson in my development as a golfer," he said. "I'll be thinking about it and I'll be thinking about how I can do things better tomorrow than I did that day in St. Andrews."
Tiger Woods, who has finished no worse than tied for sixth in his last six Masters appearances, made a confident start to reach the turn in one-under 35.
He sank a 14-footer to birdie the par-three sixth but then faltered at the 10th, where he missed a par putt from six feet, and also at the 11th, where he drove into pine trees.
Although he rebounded with birdies at 13 and 14, he failed to capitalise on further opportunities over the closing holes to end the day six strokes behind the pacesetting McIlroy.
"I hit a lot of beautiful putts, a lot of beautiful putts," the 14-times major champion said. "And they were just skirting the edge, so hopefully they will start going in.
"I would rather be where Rory's at but hey, it's a long way to go. We have a long grind ahead of us. I'm very pleased. I'm right there in the ball game, I'm only six back."
Tournament favourite Mickelson, playing in the penultimate group of the day, was annoyed to make his only mistake of the day at the par-four last where his approach ended up to the left of the green.
"I missed it in spots where I could get up and down in spots that I knew the chip," the four-times major winner said. "I had a good angle, and that's why I was disappointed on 18.
"I didn't shoot myself out of it but I didn't make up ground on the field the way I wanted to, so I've got to go do it tomorrow."
Britain's Ross Fisher, whose wife is expecting their second child early next week, opened with a 69 to finish level with six others, including Spaniard Sergio Garcia, Australian Geoff Ogilvy and 2008 champion Trevor Immelman of South Africa.
Among the other big names, Germany's world number one and last year's PGA Championship winner Martin Kaymer battled to sign for a 78.
Lee Westwood carded a 72.
