Shane Lowry had Brooks Koepka waiting for the Open Champion to head to lunch after finishing three shots clear of the World No. 1 on day two of the Saudi International.
Lowry grabbed four birdies, including at the par-4 10th where he had commenced his round along with birdies at 13, 17 and 5, with the only dropped shot at the par-3 16th that has the Red Sea laid out along the left side of the hole.
Lowry’s score of a three-under par 67 for a four-under tally has him sharing 12th place along with five others including Phil Mickelson (70) and former Irish Open winner Soren Kjeldsen (69) while Koepka (69) was back at one-under par.
“It was a good morning’s work and I enjoyed it,” Lowry said.
“I felt I played alright and the good thing about my game these two rounds is that I have driven the ball lovely, and not hitting it into much trouble.
“It’s what I like about this course as it’s a good driving course.
“Admittedly, it was a bit of a struggle yesterday to shoot one-under (69) as I felt good enough to shoot four, five under and I kind of feel that is the way it’s been the last couple of weeks.
“What am I now, six back? So, I am in a decent spot heading to the weekend.
“Also, I have to say it’s also good seeing GMac up there as he had a great 64 yesterday and he’s backed that up with a 68.”
And his thoughts playing alongside the current World No. 1.
“It’s always good playing alongside Brooks as we had a lot of fun out there over the two days,” he said.
“As you know, I’ve known his caddy Ricky for a long time and between the four of us we’ve had a good time.”
Indeed, Koepka was waiting beside this reporter for Lowry to finish the interview before the Major-winning duo then found their way into the stunning Royal Greens clubhouse and upstairs to the Players Dining Room for lunch.
In contrast, Ardglass’ Cormac Sharvin was heading ‘Down Under’ on a long haul flight to Melbourne, Australia for next week’s co-sanctioned Vic Open in missing the cut with scores of 75 before finishing strongly on day two to birdie three of his closing four holes in a 67 but for a two-over par total.
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