Back-to-back birdies steady defending Masters champion Rory McIlroy

The Holywood man is up and running. 

Rory McIlroy made an encouraging start in Augusta. Pic: Gerald Herbert/AP

Rory McIlroy’s defence of his Masters title recovered from a sketchy start with back-to-back birdies seeing him turn at two under par, only two shots off the lead set by Patrick Reed and fellow American Sam Burns.

The world number two’s waywardness off the tee meant he was level par through seven holes after a birdie at the long second was swiftly given back by a three-putt at the next.