Rory McIlroy has admitted he wishes he'd performed better during round one of the Masters on Thursday.
The 34-year-old is looking to win at Augusta for the very first time but made a mixed start to his latest bid for glory.
McIlroy carded four birdies and three bogeys in his lowest opening round since 2018.
He does, however, remain only five shots behind Scottie Sheffler and six behind clubhouse leader Bryson DeChambeau as day two looms.
Masters: Rory McIlroy carded four birdies and three bogeys on day one of the tournament
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McIlroy has reacted to the events of day one.
And the Northern-Irishman has admitted that while he's pleased with his overall score, he wishes he had been 'two or three better'.
“It’s satisfying in one sense because it’s a decent start compared to the way I’ve played here recently, but I felt like it could have been two or three better," he admitted.
“I think after the slow start making a few birdies around the turn was good. A little wasteful coming in.
"I had a good chance for birdie on 15 in the middle of the fairway and didn’t take that.
“Missed a shortish one on 16 and then the bogey on 17. But overall still not a bad score, and obviously a lot of golf left to play.
“I’m definitely not out of the tournament and not chasing anything tomorrow.
"I’m playing with Scottie so can keep an eye on what he’s doing and I’m looking forward to getting back out there.
“If you look at Scottie compared to the rest of the field, the amount of bogey-free rounds he shoots is phenomenal, and that’s the secret to winning major championships.
“I made three bogeys today, which is fine out there in these conditions, but just need to tidy it up a little bit to try to keep up with him.”
Based on the evidence of day one, DeChambeau looks the man to beat.
The former US Open champion posted a seven-under 65, with five birdies in a six-hole stretch key.
It is DeChambeau's best opening round at the Masters and comes four years after he made controversial comments about Augusta National.
Back in 2020, the American said he was looking at the iconic venue as a par-67 because of his ability to reach all the par-fives in just two shots.
And the 30-year-old has now opened up on those comments, insisting they were 'misinterpreted'.
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Masters: Rory McIlroy has admitted he wishes he'd performed better after a mixed start to his bid for glory
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"The comment was definitely misinterpreted," he said.
"I said it, and I respect people's opinions on it.
"For me, I have a level of respect for this golf course that's a little bit different than a couple years ago.
"Clearly today was a great test of golf, and I was able to conquer a very difficult golf course today.
"Regarding the 67 comment, you know, you mess up. I'm not a perfect person. Everybody messes up.
Masters: Rory McIlroy trails Bryson DeChambeau by six shots after the opening day's play
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"You learn from your mistake, and that was definitely one.
"I'm going to go out and try to shoot the best score I possibly can. If you want to line the math up that way, that is a perspective you can take.
"It was a perspective I had, and it cost me a lot of slack, I guess you could say. It definitely hurt some things.
"But look, I'll say this again. I shot 65 today, and that was one of the best rounds of golf I've played in a long time.
"There's three more days to go, and I'm not losing sight of that fact; that it's right there in front of me. Just got to go execute."
