McIlroy (21) Youngest 1st Round Leader in Masters History - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) -- It's a major, and that can only mean one thing these days. Rory McIlroy will be sitting atop the leaderboard.

The 21-year-old from Northern Ireland is the early leader at the Masters after shooting a 7-under 65 on Thursday. He has tied for third at three of the last five majors, including the last two. He also tied a major championship record when he opened with a 63 at St. Andrews in last year's British Open. Of course, McIlroy followed that record round with an 80, a mistake he says he never should make again. But rallying to finish third at St. Andrews, plus his other top-three finishes, have shown him he's got the game to win a major, maybe even as early as this week.