Following an impressive birdie at the par-three 17th hole, Shane Lowry edged into a single-shot lead after round one of the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando this Thursday. Despite being enlisted for the season’s fourth prime event through the endorsement exemption, Lowry scored an impressive six-under 66, propelling him ahead of rivals Justin Lower and Hideki Matsuyama.
Lowry, however, isn’t familiar to such a position in this championship. He plainly stated his previous failing records, describing them as “horrific”. He expressed surprise at his success on Thursday, given his unpredictable record.
Speaking on the twists and turns of golf, Lowry noted how just a year prior, despite making the cut, he had shot 81 on a single Saturday. Prior to today’s results, he had only made the cut once out of six appearances at this tournament. But this time, Lowry maintained control, playing with low expectations but performing admirably.
The Bay Hill front nine saw Lowry at one under, after which his fortunes soared. His back nine began with birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie, including an eagle from an 18-foot chip at the 12th, with a brief slowdown due to a bogey at the 14th. His golden moment came at the final par-three, as his tee shot at the 17th landed just eight feet from the pin, setting him up for the birdie that escalated him into the lead.
Meanwhile, Séamus Power ended with a level-par 72, with former Bay Hill champion Rory McIlroy trailing one over after hitting a 73. As Lowry put it, golf is indeed a funny game.