Irish fans must wait for McIlroy to launch challenge

Irish golf fans will have to stay patient to watch Rory McIlroy get his bid for Masters glory under way tomorrow after the two-time major champion was drawn in the penultimate group of the opening round at Augusta National.

The reigning PGA champion doesn’t tee off until 6:41pm Irish time having been drawn in a group also including Sweden’s Freddie Jacobson and American 2011 PGA champion Keegan Bradley.

That keeps some considerable distance in the running order between world number two McIlroy and tournament favourite Tiger Woods. The American begins his quest for a fifth green jacket and 15th major victory at 3:45pm Irish time.

McIlroy’s compatriots, meanwhile, are spread throughout the day with Graeme McDowell first of the bunch off at 2:50pm, Padráig Harrington starting his challenge at 3:56pm, while British Amateur champion Alan Dunbar begins his last tournament before turning professional at 4:51pm.

Defending champion Bubba Watson, pictured, Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter and US Amateur champion Steven Fox tee off in the group ahead of Woods at 2:34pm.