McIlroy's a believer...if he can hang onto Scheffler's coat-tails

RORY McILROY believes he is still in the Masters hunt when play resumes at Augusta later today after shooting an opening round one-under par 71.

- Matt Majendie

The Northern Irishman carded four birdies and three bogeys and was left to rue missed opportunities to lower his score over the final four holes.

The four-time Major winner is among the late starters today and said playing partner Scottie Scheffler remained the man to beat after leaving himself one behind overnight leader Bryson DeChambeau, who shot a firstround score of 65.

Having missed the cut twice on his past three visits to Augusta, McIlroy said: “It’s satisfying in one sense, because it’s a decent start compared to the way I’ve played here recently, but I felt I could have been two or three better.