Rory McIlroy has insisted that he "can do better" than his performance on the opening day of The Masters at Augusta today.

The pre-tournament favourite put in a solid display to shoot a round of 71, four behind the clubhouse leaders at the time.

Victory for McIlroy this weekend would see him become just the sixth player to complete a career Grand Slam, but he insists that he is not letting the pressure of that feat weigh him down.

"I just wanted to get going and once I got the first hole out of the way I felt I could relax. It was not quite what I wanted off the second tee but made a great five which was important," told reporters.

"I just kept telling myself to be patient out there. It was a tricky day, the wind was swirling and anything under par was a pretty good score. It was nice to pick up a couple of shots on the back nine on the par fives and I am pretty satisfied.

"It was a round that could have got away from me. I just stayed patient, realising it's a 72-hole tournament and not having to press too much. It's good to get into red numbers. I obviously know what I can achieve this week but I am not letting myself think about it too much. Today was pretty good and I feel I can do better."

McIlroy is likely to find himself further off the pace by the start of play tomorrow, with Jordan Spieth and Ernie Els since overtaking the clubhouse leaders.