'Patient' McIlroy pleased with opening day 71

Rory McIlroy intends to treat the next 54 holes at Augusta National like a game of chess as he patiently tries to become a grand Masters champion.

The Irishman and his tournament co-favourite Adam Scott, the defending champion, were both more than satisfied with their opening rounds of the first major of the season as they tucked in behind early clubhouse leader Bill Haas, who was setting the pace at four under par thanks to his 68 on a perfectly benign day for golf among the Georgia pine trees.