Bearded Shane Lowry is ‘tanked-up’ to end a two year winless drought after muscling his way to the top of the board on day two of the Wales Open at Celtic Manor.

Lowry did not drop a shot in a round of six-under par 65 to move to nine under par in overcast conditions on the Twenty-Ten Course.

It is easily the Carton House golfer’s best display in four appearances in Wales.

Prior to this week, the two-time Tour winner averaged 74 strokes for his seven rounds that included a first round 81 in 2012 and then withdrawing, and in what was his last appearance before this week.

In contrast, Lowry’s now averaged 66.5 this week and thanks to a new Odyssey 2Ball ‘Tank’ putter that’s , the Irishman’s is putting his way towards a hopeful third Tour win, and his first since capturing 2012 Portugal Masters.

Shane Lowry using an Odyssey 2Ball ‘Tank’ putter, and with an Odyssey Super Stroke grip, for a first time this week and in doing so leads by one after two rounds of the Wales Open. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)

And while Lowry has long been backed by Sxrion, he’s a free agent when it comes to his putter and hence his decision to use an Odyssey 2Ball.

“I only put the ‘Tank’ putter in the bag this week and already I’ve had 27 putts today and 27 putts yesterday, so that’s been a real key to my two rounds,” he said.

“For some reason I’ve always struggled when I’ve come here to Celtic Manor and that’s probably the reason why I didn’t play the event last year.

“I’ve got a bit of a collection of putters back home but this one, and I’ve had one of Super Stroke grips fitted, has been on fire from the outset yesterday.

“But this it was not that easy out there and to be bogey free, and with six birdies on top of that, was nice.

“So to be leading on a golf course that I don’t know why I haven’t done well on, I’m excited with two rounds to play.

“There is not many times I have led after Friday, so this is pretty new to me but I’ve been out her on Tour now for six years and I know what to do, and how to play Saturday and Sunday golf.”

Rookie Ryder Cupper Stephen Gallacher played down any Gleneagles fears after scores of 78 and 70 to miss the cut by five shots.

“There’s no alarm bells ringing and I am looking forward now to next week,” said Gallacher.

However there was good news for Thomas Bjorn, Jamie Donaldson and Lee Westwood, who birdied  who are through to the final two rounds.