Ireland’s Shane Lowry was very determined not to let the Alpine course overshadow him paid dividends with the Esker Hills star producing his equal-best round in four appearance in the Omega European Masters.
On each of the past three years Lowry has travelled up the mountainous road to the Crans-sur-Sierre course and on three occasions he’s tumbled off the course having missed the halfway cut.
Jenny Matthews fantastic shot of Welshman Rhys Davies during the opening round of the 2012 Omega European Masters. (Photo - Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ie)
But after an opening round of two under par 69 in wet and miserable conditions Lowry’s determined to play all four days this year.
The former Irish Open winner trails six shots behind Frenchman Gregory Bourdy who forged his way to a two stroke lead with an eight under par 63.
Lowry was level par with three holes to play but then managed to birdie his 16th and penultimate holes on day spent mostly under his Cleveland umbrella.
“That’s my best score around here for a long while as I just seem to struggle every year up here,” said Lowry.
“I just went out there in a good frame of mind and just not wanting to think about past rounds.
“So I just felt my mental approach to the round was good and to manage a couple of good up-and-downs when I needed them was very pleasing.
“Things like that help with your momentum and hopefully now after now after this good round I can keep it going.”
Michael Hoey carded a one under par 70 while four players, Paul McGinley, Peter Lawrie, Darren Clarke and Gareth Maybin signed for 72s.
McGinley had former Tour player, Simon Hurd again on the bag but was struggling early on after bogeying three of his opening four holes.
“There’s not much to say and to be three over early on was a terrible start while the conditions were also pretty awful but then it was the same for everybody,” he said.
“It was just a battle all day long and just trying to get myself back in the tournament.”
Clarke who headed straight for the putting green after his round and even with the rain continuing to fall, and with his caddy and manager spotted holding umbrellas over the Ryder Cup vice-captain.
