Rory McIlroy has insisted that he "can do better" than his performance on the opening day of The Masters at Augusta today.
The pre-tournament favourite put in a solid display to shoot a round of 71, four behind the clubhouse leaders at the time.
Victory for McIlroy this weekend would see him become just the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam, but he insists that he is not letting the pressure of that feat weigh him down.
"I just wanted to get going and once I got the first hole out of the way I felt I could relax. It was not quite what I wanted off the second tee but made a great five which was important," told reporters.
"I just kept telling myself to be patient out there. It was a tricky day, the wind was swirling and anything under par was a pretty good score. It was nice to pick up a couple of shots on the back nine on the par fives and I am pretty satisfied.
"It was a round that could have got away from me. I just stayed patient, realising it's a 72-hole tournament and not having to press too much. It's good to get into red numbers. I obviously know what I can achieve this week but I am not letting myself think about it too much. Today was pretty good and I feel I can do better."
McIlroy is likely to find himself further off the pace by the start of play tomorrow, with Jordan Spieth and Ernie Els since overtaking the clubhouse leaders.
Barney Corkhill
