Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Spain's Alvaro Quiros each posted scores of 7-under par, 65, Thursday and share the lead of the Masters golf tournament, which concluded its first-round play around 7:15 p.m. McIlroy, 21, used a seven bridies, including 4-under par first-nine performance, and no bogies to take the lead into the clubhouse. A few hours later in the day's final group, Quiros, who made eight birdies, including one on hole No. 18, capped the first round with a piece of the lead.
Tiger Woods shot 1-under par, 71, and sits six-shots behind McIlroy in a tie for 24th, while Phil Mickelson, the defending champion, shot a stroke better than Woods carding a 2-under par, 70, placing in tie for 14th. SB Nation New York's projected winner, England's Lee Westwood made four birdies and bogeys to post a even-par, 72, to finish in a tie for 37th. Our projected first-time major winner, Ricky Barnes, posted a 4-under, 68, and is tied for fifth. Bill Haas, our dark horse pick, shot 2-over par, 74, to place in tie for 64th.
(For a complete rundown of Round 1 check out SB Nation's golf hub.)
On Friday, Quiros tees off at 10:41 p.m., while McIlroy is schedule to start at 12:42 p.m. Three-time champion Mickelson's tee time is 10:30 p.m. and four-time champion Woods begins at 1:48 p.m. just over an hour before ESPN's coverage begins. If you'd like to catch the earlier rounds check out Masters.com, which has full coverage of Amen Corner and holes No. 15 and 16 starting at 10:45 p.m. (Click here for complete rundown of the Masters 2011 TV schedule.)
For more information on the Masters Golf Tournament 2011 check out SB Nation's golf blog Waggle Room; or SB Nation Atlanta's Masters Storystream; and SB Nation's pro golf hub.