Shane Lowry’s disappointing end to his maiden-Major winning season continued with The Open champion posting a one-over par 73 to be just outside the top-30 at one-over par on day one of the season-ending DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
The Offaly golfer grabbed birdies at the first and seventh holes but came unstuck with bogeys on the ninth, 12th and 14th holes on the Greg Norman designed Earth Course at Jumeirah Estates.
“It was a disappointing day and it was one of those days when I didn’t play great and I kind of struggled a little bit, and it felt a little more difficult out there,” he said.
“I was getting frustrated towards the end of my round because I was playing alongside Jon (Rahm – 66) who going along very well and there was guys like Rory flying to the top of the board, and it just kind of got frustrating.
“It was fortunate to make a good par at the last so that helped heading now into tomorrow, and hopefully I can go out and shoot a decent score.”
Lowry, who commenced the event lying fourth on the Race to Dubai, is projected to now fifth finish with Rory McIlroy, after posting a personal tournament best of 64, being projected to jump from fifth and end the year second. Still, with three rounds to play, Lowry’s not giving up the ghost just yet.
“The scoring isn’t as good as it normally is out here so i’m kicking myself a little bit for that because I was seeing the guys at 5, 6 and 9 under and I felt like I was kind of down the bottom of the pack at level par and I struggled towards the end but it’s my own fault.”
“I’ve shot 63 around here before so I know I can go out and do it but first and foremost you need to put the ball in play. With the bit of rain, the greens are receptive and it makes for easier iron shots I suppose so we’ll see what happens.”
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