Rory McIlroy Opens Masters Title Defense Strong - Intermediate - EN

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Rory McIlroy began his Masters title defense with several loose tee shots, including one near a spectator’s seat and another into the trees. Even so, he stayed patient and trusted his swing would improve. That calm approach paid off with a 5-under 67, his best opening round at Augusta National in 15 years, leaving him tied for the lead with Sam Burns.

McIlroy said being the defending champion changed his mindset. Wearing the green jacket gave him freedom and confidence, even when his game was not perfect. He joked that it was easier to swing without fear when he knew he could return to the Champions Locker Room and put on the jacket at the end of the day.

Burns matched the lead by dominating the par 5 holes with three birdies and an eagle. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, opened with a 70 in tougher afternoon conditions. Patrick Reed also stayed near the top after two eagles on the front nine, though the fast greens later sent one of his shots all the way into the pond by the 16th hole.

The course was already dry, firm and fast, and players knew the conditions could become even tougher if no rain arrives. Only five players broke 70, and only 16 finished under par. McIlroy said he still felt nerves in his 18th Masters appearance, but his 67 was better than he had hoped for.

Table of Contents

Vocabulary Words List

title defense — trying to win again after winning before
tee shots — the first shots on a hole
spectator’s seat — a chair used by someone watching
share the lead — to be tied for first place
defending champion — the player who won the event last year
green jacket — the prize jacket for the Masters winner
patient — able to stay calm and wait
freedom — the feeling of being less worried
opening round — the first round of the tournament
Augusta National — the course that hosts the Masters
Champions Locker Room — the special room for Masters champions
birdies — holes finished one stroke under par
eagle — a score of two under par on one hole
par 5 holes — holes expected to take five shots
world’s top-ranked player — the player ranked number one
afternoon conditions — weather and course conditions later in the day
front nine — the first nine holes
fast greens — greens where the ball rolls quickly
pond — a small body of water
dry — without much moisture
firm — hard, not soft
under par — better than the course standard
nerves — feelings of pressure
lead — the top position
bogey — one stroke over par
Masters appearance — a time playing in the Masters
swing — the motion used to hit the ball
confidence — belief in your ability
score — the number of strokes taken
conditions — the state of the course and weather

Fill In The Blanks Listening Practice

Rory McIlroy began his Masters with several loose , including one near a and another into the trees. Even so, he stayed patient and trusted his swing would improve. That calm approach paid off with a 5-under 67, his best opening round at Augusta National in 15 years, leaving him tied for the lead with Sam Burns.

McIlroy said being the changed his mindset. Wearing the gave him and confidence, even when his game was not perfect. He joked that it was easier to swing without fear when he knew he could return to the Champions Locker Room and put on the jacket at the end of the day.

Burns matched the lead by dominating the par 5 holes with three and an eagle. Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, opened with a 70 in tougher afternoon conditions. Patrick Reed also stayed near the top after two eagles on the front nine, though the fast greens later sent one of his shots all the way into the pond by the 16th hole.