Rory McIlroy remains positive and in contention at Masters after first-round 71

Rory McIlroy catches lucky breaks at Masters, shoots 71 to stay in contention for elusive career Grand Slam. #Masters2023

Rory McIlroy experienced a stroke of luck during the first round of the Masters at Augusta National. His tee shot on the ninth hole hit a tree but kicked out into the fairway, allowing him to save par and shoot a 71, his first sub-par opening round at the Masters since 2018. Despite his surprise at this achievement, McIlroy remained focused on sticking to his game plan and staying positive.

The 34-year-old McIlroy has been chasing the elusive career Grand Slam for nearly a decade, and his solid performance in the first round has put him in contention. While he trails Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler, McIlroy's positive attitude and strong back nine in windy conditions suggest he may have a chance to compete for the coveted green jacket.

McIlroy's luck continued on the course as he found favorable spots after hitting the trees on a couple of holes. He acknowledged the need to ride his luck but expressed hope that he wouldn't need any more fortunate bounces moving forward. With the pressure of completing the Grand Slam looming over him, McIlroy remains focused on staying positive and sticking to his game plan.

Despite the challenges ahead, McIlroy is determined to post a good number on Friday and keep smiling. He has been drawing inspiration from an audio book called "Outwitting the Devil" by Napoleon Hill, emphasizing the importance of positivity in overcoming obstacles. As he navigates the tough competition and high stakes of the Masters, McIlroy's resilience and determination may be the keys to unlocking his potential and achieving his long-awaited goal.