Bogey-free round saw 2019 champion mix attack with defence as others fell foul of tough conditions in Scotland
Ireland's Shane Lowry acknowledges the crowd after finishing his round on the 18th green on day one of the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon. Photograph: Kevin C Cox/Getty ImagesSome found carnage; others discovered a way to circumvent the obstacles placed in their way.
Lowry seemed at peace, in a serene place. His course management was exemplary. When he could be aggressive, he was. When he needed safety, he took that route.Rory McIlroy’s torment continues after opening 78 leaves Open hopes in shredsOn a day when the wind shifted – compared to the practice rounds – to cause issues for many, their minds unable to comprehend the different challenge of this famed old course, Lowry, a Claret Jug champion at Portrush in 2019, stuck to the task.
Justin Thomas had a 68 but it included a double-bogey. Matt Wallace reached four under through eight holes only to triple bogey the ninth after finding a gorse bush. Such penalties were frequent, as the course – aided by the wind which exceeded 25 miles an hour in the early afternoon only to lessen to around 15mph later in the day – asked questions that many simply couldn’t answer.
But such meteorological factors were just one part of it. The fact was that Lowry played shots with an assuredness and a calmness that had his caddie Darren Reynolds often taking the club to be put in the bag while his player was already walking after the shot. “The walk down 18 was actually pretty cool. I said to Billy Foster , we walked down beside each other, and it’s the greatest walk in golf. And I got to do it on a Sunday afternoon with a full house, and that’s the plan, to try to get to do that again,” revealed Lowry.
Lowry’s form on the PGA Tour this season has included a win and a record-equalling low round in a Major . The return to the European side of the Atlantic has seen him continue that strong form seamlessly, able to account for the slower green speeds thanks to his diligent preparation which also included a four-day trip to Hogs Head in Co Kerry last week.
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