Shane Lowry is the clubhouse leader after the first round of The Open at Royal Troon, after a near-flawless round that brought back memories of the Offaly's man exploits in Portrush five years ago.
Lowry shot a bogey-free round of 66 and finished with a brilliant birdie on 18, which was set up by an excellent approach shot.
What a day for Shane Lowry 🔥
He is the clubhouse leader at the first round of The Open after a scintillating round of 66 at Royal Troon 🇮🇪pic.twitter.com/Qhw1zXjiet— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 18, 2024
The 2019 Champion Golfer had never finished the first round of a major in first place before today, but signed for his 66 with sole possession of first place. While the conditions in the morning bamboozled many of the world's top players, Lowry was steady throughout his round. He credited practice rounds on the course and extended time in Ireland and the UK over the past few weeks.
I've been at home for the last three weeks ago. I came here two weeks ago for two days just to do a bit of preparation for this. It's just being here, getting a bit of feel, and trusting your instinct and doing what I did today, and hopefully that'll work for the rest of the week as well.
Lowry was inevitably asked about any similarities between today and his Open win along the Co. Antrim coast in 2019.
Lowry didn't shirk the question but said he tries not to dwell too much on that win.
I'm trying not to think about it too much now. I holed a putt to go into the lead out there today and I thought it was the first time I'd lead The Open in five years.
No matter what I'll do, Portrush will always have a place in my heart. I love that place. I love this tournament. I'd dearly love to give myself a chance to win again.
Asked how is form compares to famous win in 2019, Lowry was forthright:
I have no idea, we'll see. I managed to roll a few putts in. I always say, if I can keep rolling putts in, I'll be dangerous.
Lowry shot 67 on his first round in 2019 so he's started one shot better. It'll be interesting to see what the weekend holds.
Shane Lowry tees off in his second round at 9.47am tomorrow alongside Cameron Smith and Matt Fitzpatrick.
