The Masters: Rory McIlroy plays down potential major title defence despite 'great' opening round at Augusta National

Rory McIlroy is refusing to get carried away about the possibility of a successful title defence at The Masters, despite jumping into the clubhouse lead after a stunning start at Augusta National.

A year on from becoming just the sixth male golfer in history to complete the career Grand Slam, following his dramatic play-off victory over Justin Rose, McIlroy enhanced his chances of becoming only the fourth player to win back-to-back editions of The Masters.

McIlroy mixed six birdies with a lone bogey during an impressive five-under 67, just the second time in his last eight visits he has started with an under-par round, leaving him in a share of the early advantage alongside Sam Burns.