Lowry off to promising start after first round at Irish Open

Shane Lowry is off to a promising start with a three-under 69 in the opening round of the Amgen Irish Open in the K Club today.

The Clara man, who famously won the event as an amateur in 2009, was one over after eight holes, but rattled off four birdies across the final ten holes, to card an impressive 69.

Having started on the 10th tee, he was one over leaving the 17th green, but birdies on the 18th, 4th, 6th and on the closing 9th saw him in the clubhouse in joint 7th at lunchtime.

Lowry, who was one of the early starters, was three shots off the clubhouse leader Spaniard Nacho Elvira, who shot a 66.

With rain pouring down and conditions expected to be difficult for the remaining golfers on the opening day, Lowry could be well up the leaderboard by the conclusion of play.

Lowry told RTÉ Sport that he was pretty happy with his round.

Rory McIlroy finished with a one-under 71