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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Carl Markham

UNBELIEVABLE: Rory mcilroy shares the lead as his bid for back to back masters starts strongly - The Untold Story

Rory McIlroy, of Northern Ireland, celebrates after a birdie on the 15th hole during the first round of the Masters golf tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 9, 2026, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) -

Defending champion Rory McIlroy basked in the warm Georgia sunshine and the glory of his return to Augusta to lay down a marker in his bid for rare back-to-back Masters wins with a share of the first-round lead.

The Northern Irishman, seeking to become only the fourth man after Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Sir Nick Faldo to retain the green jacket, burst into life following a nondescript seven holes in which he struggled with his driving.

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