Golf-McIlroy welcomes nerves in strong start to Masters title defense

Golf - The Masters - Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia, U.S. - April 9, 2026 Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy reacts on the 18th hole during the first round REUTERS/Mike Segar

AUGUSTA, Georgia, April 9 (Reuters) - Rory ⁠McIlroy said he was relieved to feel his hand shaking on the first tee of the Masters on ⁠Thursday, saying it would have been "worrisome" if he had not been nervous despite arriving as the ‌defending champion.

McIlroy, who won his first Green Jacket last year, opened his title defense with a five-under-par 67 for a share of the lead and said the familiar anxiety on the opening tee was a sign that Augusta National still mattered as much as ever.