Shane Lowry No Longer ‘Scared’ Seeing His Name Atop Of Leaderboards.

Virginia Water, Surrey … Shane Lowry’s insists he’s no longer ‘scared’ of seeing his name on top of the leader board as was the scenario on the opening day of the BMW PGA Championship.

Lowry was out among the early groups seeing his name on the board at four under par before setting for a three under par tally in ideal scoring conditions at Wentworth.

Also at three under is fellow Irishman Graeme McDowell and producing his first sub-70 start around the ‘Burma Road’ since 2005.

The pair trail just four shots behind the leading trio of Australia’s Scott Hend, former PGA Champion Y E Yang of Korea and in-form Dutchman Joost Luiten, who had 11 single putts in his round.

Lowry’s round was a strong showing of six birdies but spoilt somewhat when he bogeyed 14 and then seeing his tee shot at the par three, 14th bounce off a cart path and out-of-bounds for a double.

Shane Lowry chats with SKY Sports and clearly delighted in posting a 69. (Photo - www.golfbytourmiss.com)

Shane Lowry chats with SKY Sports and clearly delighted in posting a 69. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)

“I played lovely for the first 12 holes but went to sleep there for a bit at 13 and 14 but bounced back really nicely with birdies at 15 and 18 with that putt on the last really big for me,” he said.

“So it was just nice to shoot a round in the 60s again as I’ve had some good finishes around here, including holing that putt to finish second on my own two years ago,” he said.

“I just love coming here to Wentworth as it is probably my favourite tournament of the year as we get looked after really well, and I just love the golf course, so along with the nice crowds it’s a really enjoyable week.”

However, if there was one shot that delighted Lowry more than any of the prior 67 shots it was his 99-yard wedge into the last ahead of holing the 15-foot putt for birdie.

“I had a lovely number and I almost felt like I had to hole that putt as I feel like the last few weeks, and given the way my game has been going, I have been playing well enough but not getting enough out of my game,” he said.

Shane Lowry no longer 'scared' to see his name on top of a leaderboard.

Shane Lowry no longer ‘scared’ to see his name on top of a leaderboard.

“I really hope and feel like that putt at the last something that gives me a bit of a kick on now into the remainder of the summer.”

And Lowry’s also getting a kick out of seeing his name appearing regularly on tournament leader boards and that’s in stark contrast to some seven years ago when contesting the 2009 WGC – HSBC Champions and with the rookie pro finding himself in some exalted company.

“I remember the first time I saw my name at the top of the leader board at Baltray (2009 Irish Open) and I had holed a putt at the 10th hole during the second round to be tied for the lead, and I said to my caddy at the time:  ‘Well, at least I led the Irish Open at some time’,” he said.

“The last time that happened was later that year and I was playing the HSBC Champions and I was six under par after 11 holes and I saw the leader board and it read Lowry, Woods, Mickelson.

“All I wanted to do was get my phone out and take a photo (smiling).”

 



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