McIlroy leads European Masters @ Thursday September 4

Rory McIlroy leads the Omega European Masters after shooting an opening eight-under-par 63 at Crans-sur-Sierre on Thursday.

The Northern Ireland teenager carded nine birdies in his 18 holes, four on the outward nine and five on the inward nine, plus a bogey at the 12th.

"This has been a long time coming for me as I have struggled over the last few months but a score like this really boosts your confidence," said McIlroy.

"Hopefully I can kick on from here and keep on doing what I am doing."

"I have been hitting the ball well in recent months but have been getting nothing out of it.

"In this round I was getting up and down well and making a few putts which made all the difference.

"It has been a great learning year for me and I have learnt a lot of new things about the game.

"My game is coming along nice and gradually and maybe by the time I am 24 or 25 I will be contending for some majors and be in a position to fulfil my ambitions."

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