Shane Lowry hit what he described as his best shot all season to set up birdie at the last in his round of a one under par 71 on day one of the Shell Houston Open.
After racing to three under par after just six holes, Lowry absolutely ‘flushed’ a four-iron to just six feet at the ninth and his 18th hole for a ‘two’ to end his day’s work on the Redstone course in suburban Humble.
It is Lowry’s first appearance in Houston and on a course again set up to help the two dozen odd players, including World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, who will also be competing next fortnight in the season’s first Major.
Lowry was on the leader board early at three under par after six holes but faded with bogeys at nine, 12 and 13 before ending with a birdie.
“I got off to a good start and then after dropping a couple a few mid-round it was nice to birdie the last and get myself back into the red,” said Lowry.
“The bogeys were just bad decisions as opposed to bad shots and on a day with the course playing tough as the wind was swirling a lot.
“But then to finish the way I did was really pleasing as I had 230-yards to the hole off the tee and I said to Dermot (Bray – caddy) after hitting the ball that that’s the swing that won me Portugal last year.
“It was the best shot I’ve hit in about three or four months.
“But I will need to keep on top of it as I do still feel a bit rusty but overall I am happy to finish one under par.”
Lowry’s one under par 71, and two better than McIlroy, sees him heading into the second round of the $6.2m event sharing 43rd place and seven shots behind American D.A. Points who posted an eight under par 64.
Shane Lowry driving off the 17th during a Tuesday practice round alongside Rory McIlroy. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
