AUGUSTA, Ga. — As Rory McIlroy stepped onto the first tee at Augusta National on Thursday morning, he felt his right hand tremble — a familiar sensation, but one he welcomed.

It was his first competitive round at the Masters since finally capturing the elusive green jacket last year and completing the career Grand Slam. Despite the nerves, McIlroy embraced the moment.

“I felt anxious, just like I always do,” he said. “And I’m glad I did. If I didn’t feel that way, it would probably mean it doesn’t matter as much anymore — and it definitely still does.”

Though not at his absolute best, McIlroy delivered a composed and efficient opening round, carding a 5-under 67 — his lowest first round at the Masters since 2011 — and sharing the early lead with Sam Burns.

The round was built on patience and trust. McIlroy admitted he struggled off the tee early, hitting just five of 14 fairways, but resisted the urge to overcorrect.

“I didn’t hit it great over the first few holes, and in the past that might have made me tentative,” he said. “But I just kept swinging and trusted it would come around.”

His experience at Augusta proved crucial. Even after errant drives into the trees, McIlroy managed to produce birdies on key holes, including the 13th and 15th, along with a strong performance on the 14th — a hole that troubled him last year.

He estimated that, based on ball striking alone, a score of 2-under would have been fair. Instead, his calm approach and smart decision-making allowed him to outperform expectations without forcing risky shots.

In contrast to last year’s opening round — when double bogeys derailed his momentum — McIlroy appeared far more in control, both mentally and strategically.

“There are still moments where you feel a little tight,” he said. “But you just have to commit to the swing and not worry too much about the outcome.”

That confidence, he added, is rooted in finally having achieved his long-time goal.

“It’s easier to play freely when you know you’ve already won here — when you can walk into the Champions Locker Room, put on the green jacket, and enjoy it.”

Throughout the round, McIlroy showed a clear understanding of when to attack and when to play conservatively. Adjustments he discussed earlier in the week — including taking a more aggressive approach off the tee on certain holes — paid off, as he played those stretches under par.

“I’ve learned to focus on the process — making good decisions, not compounding mistakes, and thinking my way around the course,” he said. “If I do that, the results will follow.”

The atmosphere reflected his status as reigning champion. Large galleries followed him throughout the day, offering standing ovations on multiple greens, which McIlroy acknowledged with quiet appreciation.

In many ways, the round felt like a continuation of last year’s triumph — only this time with less pressure and more control.

Now, the question shifts to what comes next: can McIlroy become the first player since Tiger Woods to win back-to-back Masters titles?

“I said earlier this week,” McIlroy noted, “once you win one Masters, it becomes easier to win another.”