McIlroy relies on putting for first day

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Rory McIlroy reacts to missing a birdie on #9 during the first round of the Masters Tournament Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Augusta, Georgia. (SARA CORCE/STAFF)
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Rory McIlroy hits out of the bunker on #2 during the first round of the Masters Tournament Thursday at Augusta National Golf Club, Thursday, April 6, 2017, in Augusta, Georgia. (MICHAEL HOLAHAN/STAFF)

Rory McIlroy turned to his putting to get through a tough opening round in windy conditions Thursday.

McIlroy hit only five fairways en route to shooting even-par 72 in the first round of the Masters Tournament. He made up for less-than-ideal play off the tee by ranking third in putting.

He was also among the best at working around the greens. That was evident by getting up and down for par each hole on a key stretch between Nos. 10-12.

He missed left on No. 10 and rolled in a 10-foot par putt, pitched from 18 yards to three feet on No. 11, and made a seven-footer for par on No. 12.

“My short game really saved me today, especially 10, 11, 12 were huge,” McIlroy said. “To get those three up and down and, not that I had much momentum, but at least have something going into that stretch where I could pick up a couple.”

He picked up more than a couple by producing birdies on Nos. 13, 15 and 16. He knocked it to four feet on No. 16 on a shot that brought him to his knees, and he calmly rolled in the birdie putt for 3-under-par 33 on the second nine, leaving him in contention after the first day.

“I would’ve ripped someone’s hand off for a 72 at the 10th tee, and to feel somewhat disappointed because I had a chance for birdie on 17, to shoot par, I’m really happy with that and it puts me a in a good frame of mind for tomorrow,” he said.