Shane Lowry felt right at home muscling his way to within three shots of the lead on the opening day of the Scottish Open at Gullane.
Lowry birdied two of his opening three holes and then drained birdie putts at 10 and the 16th to be sharing 10th place with fellow Irishman Graeme McDowell.
Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen posted a seven under par 63 to head the field by one stroke from England’s Daniel Brooks who was in the very last group and birdied the last at 8.30pm.
Not sure why Tim Barter is pointing at Shane Lowry’s feet but the Irishman had his head high after an opening 66. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Seven players share second place at five under par including visiting American Jimmy Walker who is no stranger to the southern Firth of Forth shoreline having playing in the 2013 Open at nearby Muirfield while his residing this week at the Renaissance Club that borders Muirfield.
Lowry’s first look at Gullane reminded him very much of Roses Point in Co. Sligo and where he captured the 2008 West of Ireland Championship.
And the Carton House attached pro also can see a lot of Baltray in the Scottish gem, and needs no reminding what he managed at Baltray in 2009.
Shane Lowry signing autographs after his round of 66.
“There is a good few tee shots remind me of Roses Point and while it was a little bit warmer than all the times I’ve played in the West of Ireland, it reminded me so much of Roses Point,” he said.
“Some of the elevations are similar but then there is a few other holes remind me of Baltray.
“But overall I am very happy to start with a 66 as it’s a good springboard into the next three rounds so dinner will taste pretty nice tonight.
“And while everyone is starting to talk about next week I am solely here to do well in this tournament and I am not thinking at all about what lays across the water from here.”
