Rory McIlroy on par in Augusta

Rory McIlroy has ended the opening round of the Masters in Augusta on par with a score of 72.

The Northern Irishman showed composure on the first six holes, but hit a setback on the seventh when he sent an approach into a bunker.

Three early birdies on the front nine saw him get off to a solid start, but five bogies throughout the day pegged him back.

McIlroy ran the risk of coming in under par with a bogey on the penultimate hole, but he recovered on the 18th, narrowly missing out on a birdie.

Marc Leishman and Sergio Garcia lead the way after the first round with a score of six-under-par.