Shane Lowry revealed he is a little worried this week’s Houston Open torture test could spoil his preparations for next week’s much-ancticipated Masters.
The Open Champion had plenty of Masters-bound companions in Houston with 37 players in the field set to board a special charter flight tomorrow (SUN) night direct to Augusta, GA.
And after posting another gutsy one-under par 69 and be well in conention at two-under par, Lowry spoke of his concerns in tackling the ‘take no prisoners’ Memorial Park course in Houston.
“Personally, going into Augusta, the course is probably a little bit too tough,” said Lowry.
“It’s too much of a grind. You don’t want to be taking too much out of yourself this week, building up for a big week.
“Then again, it is what it is. Apart from the grass, you have a lot of long irons, and you need to be very precise where you are hitting it. In a way, it is not the worst preparation.”
Lowry is contesting a fourth Houston Open and like all in the field teeing-up on the redesigned and beefed-up Memorial Park course that is back on the PGA Tour schedule for a first time since 1963.
The Open Champion’s second round included five birdies and four birdies, and including finishing birdie, bogey, birdie and par.
The pick of Lowry’s birdies was probably his 120-yard tee shot at the par-3 15th that he landed to just two feet.
Fellow Masters bound Graeme McDowell looks to have timely ended a miserable run of five missed PGA Tour cuts in adding a second day 73 to his opening 69 for a two-over total.
And Padraig Harrington was well on track to join his Irish compatriots, and also make it two weekend appearances in succession to be just outside the top-2 with just a few holes remaining.
American Sam Burns, 24 posted scores of 68 and 65 to enjoy a two-shot second round lead at seven-under par.
Aussie Jason Day (68) and Canadian Corey Connors (66) were tied in second place.
Missing the weekend rounds were four of seven past Masters winners in the Texas field – Jordan Spieth (73 & 71), Sergio Garcia (74 & 71 ), Phil Mikelson (76 & 73) and Danny Willett who had withdrawn following a first round 77 citing a wrist injury.
