Shropshire Star

Sandy Lyle is on a par with Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy suffered a mixed start in his bid to claim his first US Masters title, while Shropshire golfing legend Sandy Lyle could be thrilled with his opening day at Augusta.

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Chasing the tournament win that would complete a grand slam of majors, McIlroy ended his opening round one over after shooting a 73 – a score matched by 61-year-old Lyle.

A rollercoaster day for McIlroy saw him make five birdies, but suffer six bogeys.

The Irishman undid most of his good work in frustrating fashion, three-putting the 17th from long range and dropping another shot on the last after pulling his drive and missing the green with his approach.

But Shrewsbury-born Lyle, who won the Masters in 1988, capped a remarkable couple of days that saw him just edged into second place by Matt Wallace in the traditional eve-of-tournament par three contest, with a round that included three birdies and four bogeys.

Tiger Woods carded a two under 70 to trail the early pacesetters – Spain’s John Rahm, South Africa’s Justin Harding and Australia’s Adam Scott – by one.