At the 152nd edition of the Open – golf’s longest-running Major – numerous players faced a difficult initation, with the wind causing havoc on the minds of many. However, Shane Lowry, in his element amongst the dunes with the tang of the sea in the air, efficiently plotted his way to the final stages with a skilfully executed, five-under-par 66 that was void of any bogeys, on the Firth of Clyde’s links.
His score left him in sole possession of second place, a shot behind the 29-year-old English golfer, Daniel Brown. Brown, who was making his Major debut after successfully coming through the final qualifying round, achieved this outcome in the diminishing light of the penultimate group. Not to mention, Brown’s remarkable comeback was impressive, especially when considering that he had failed to make the cut in six previous events and had withdrawn from a further seven, only making a cut for the first time at the Scottish Open the week prior.
Lowry emanated serenity, as though thoroughly at ease. His management of the course was textbook, carefully balancing aggression and caution when necessary.
He was steadfast on a day when many were thrown off their games due to a shift in the wind, unlike the practice rounds. Lowry, the 2019 Claret Jug winner at Portrush, remained focused throughout. The satisfaction of impressive club swings and the intuition with which he tracked iron shots even before they hit the green demonstrated his concentration.
His wizardry was also evident in his use of the putter, as he was successful at single-putting six consecutive greens commencing from the seventh, which brought in a sequence of birdie-birdie-par-par-birdie-par. Over the course of the round, he took merely 25 putts, amounting to some 128 feet of succesful putts.
In an impressive bogey-free performance, Lowry stood out, with only Brown and Justin Rose matching his record; Rose scored a 69. The round scores of other golfers, such as DeChambeau and McIlroy who scored 76 and 78 respectively, highlight Lowry’s exceptional opening round. Justin Thomas scored 68, marred by a double bogey, while Matt Wallace achieved four under through eight holes only to falter with a triple bogey on the ninth when he encountered a gorse bush. The course’s challenges were further complicated by winds reaching over 25 mph during the early afternoon, tapering off to about 15 mph later in the day.
Lowry proved to be up to the challenge. A couple of weeks earlier, he had visited Troon in preparation and had luckily spent the second day practising in the southerly wind. But weather conditions were not the only determining factor for Lowry’s successful day; he delivered his shots with composure and assurance. His caddie, Darren Reynolds, often took the club off him even before he was done with his shot.
Lowry’s first birdie was on the fourth hole, but the significant achievements were made between the seventh and 12th holes where he continued to single-putt. Out of these, the seventh, eighth and 11th resulted in birdies, while the rest helped maintain momentum by securing par. Remarkably, two of these putts exceeded 20 feet distance. His round ended remarkably with an approach of five feet at the last hole, which was given a warm welcome by the spectators.
Describing the overwhelming support, Lowry commented on his final stride down the 18th, which he referred to as the “greatest walk in golf” – a feat he aspires to repeat.
Despite a promising start, Lowry still has a significant amount of work ahead of him, having only completed a quarter of his task. Pádraig Harrington managed to fight back after a shaky start in his own round, putting out a performance of 72 that showed potential for improvement. He has high hopes for Lowry, pointing out that he tends to stay ahead once in the lead and that his challenge is to keep up the pace rather than to play catch-up.
This season, Lowry has been impressive in the PGA Tour, with a victory in the Zurich Classic (partnering McIlroy) and matching a Major low round record by scoring a 62 in the third round where he clinched a tied-sixth rank behind Xander Schauffele. Lowry’s transition back to the European territory has been smooth, successfully adjusting to the slower green speeds due to his rigorous practice, including a four-day retreat at Hogs Head, Co Kerry last week.
Lowry observes a certain ease in links greens, which he attributes to the apparent expansion of the hole once you identify your lines. His initial score of 66 was the best he’s performed in any Major’s first round. He is acutely aware of the uphill battle that awaits him:
“There are still three rounds left, if I fail in the next set, today’s score is irrelevant. I know I have a daunting task over the next three days.”
“Winning this tournament again would mean the world to me. And that’s why I’m here this week, to give myself another shot at the title. Starting strong is certainly helping with that.”
“It’s always tough to lead the pack, giving you’re up against some of the world’s best golfers. The key then is to keep pressing on and see where it gets you by the end of the weekend.”
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