Shane Lowry: “If I don’t play well the next three rounds, it doesn’t matter what I shot today”

Shane Lowry shot an opening 66 to take the clubhouse lead at Troon 2024

Shane Lowry headed to the press conference center after a stellar first round at The Open 2024 puts him in early contention

Unlike his Irish compatriot in Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry has got off to an impressive start in rough conditions, giving early tournament crowds plenty to cheer. This was Shane’s lowest opening round in a major during his career, although he is currently one behind solo leader Daniel Brown at six-under.

“Yeah, I’m very happy. I went out there, lucky I watched a lot of golf this morning and I saw that the golf course was not playing easy. Yeah, just tried to go out and play my game and hit some good shots and hole a few putts, and I did that, and I’m pretty happy.”

Finishing his round with a birdie on the 18th, Lowry took time to enjoy the moment, even if this is only the first of four rounds that the Irishman will play before being able to celebrate a second major championship.

“The walk down 18 was actually pretty cool. I said to Billy Foster, we walked down beside each other, and it’s the greatest walk in golf, and I got to do it on a Sunday afternoon with a full house, and that’s the plan, to try to get to do that again.”

With three birdies on the front 9 including the par-5 4th, par-4 7th, and Postage Stamp 8th hole, Lowry sat pretty at halfway with a 33.

Going on to match that score for the back 9, he totaled a 66 five-under, making birdie on the 11th and 18th, Lowry took advantage of conditions similar to 2019, when he secured his first Claret Jug at Royal Portrush. It also happens that the only time Shane has shot under par in an opening round of The British Open, it was back at Portrush. But does the man from Offaly believe that this will make any difference for his remaining rounds?

“Yeah, look, it’s good, it’s great, but there’s three rounds left. If I don’t play well the next three rounds, it doesn’t matter what I shot today. I’m fully aware that I have a job to do over the next three days.”

About the author

Lewis Daff

Lewis Daff joined the Today’s Golfer digital team in 2024, having spent more than a decade in both big box golf retail and independent stores, working as a club fitter and builder.

Experienced with every level of golfer, from beginner to professional, he has achieved Master Fitter and Builder status with most major manufacturers, including Mizuno, Taylormade, and Callaway, helping him to cement both a wide and deep knowledge base. Lewis specializes in Clubs, Shafts, Training Aids, Launch Monitors and Grips.

In Lewis’ bag is Taylormade Qi10 Driver, Taylormade SIM Max Fairway Woods (3-15, 5-18), Wilson Staff D9 Forged 3-iron, Srixon ZX7 MKii Irons (4-PW), Titleist SM9 Wedges (52*, 60*), Toulon San Diego Putter, and Callaway Chrome Tour Ball.

Talk to Lewis about why steel shafts are now dead and graphite is the only way forward or any other equipment you’d like to debate via his email.