‘I have no idea’… 36-year-old PGA star simply cannot explain what happened to him at Bay Hill yesterday

Add as preferred source on Google

Shane Lowry leads the way after the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill.

The 36-year-old carded a six-under 66 to move one shot clear of Justin Lower and Hideki Matsuyama.

It was a reasonably uneventful front nine holes for Lowry, with a solitary birdie on the 2nd taking him out in 35. However, a birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie run to start the back nine saw the Irishman quickly to six-under.

A dropped shot on the 14th was cancelled out with a birdie on the final hole to send him out in front on his own.

Having missed the cut five out of the previous six times at Bay Hill, the 36-year-old couldn’t determine why his fortunes changed on Thursday.

Shane Lowry reacts to Bay Hill first-round lead

After his round, Lowery said: “It’s horrific; I think my best finish is tied for 67th or something. I have no idea [what’s changed], I have no idea. I’ve played here six times and missed the cut five times. Last year, I made the cut and shot 81 on Saturday and finished tied 67th.”

On his recent form, he added: “I have come here with very low expectations today. I knew I was playing well and golf is a funny game. I had it under control today. It’s one of these places where some people love it. I’ve struggled with it. It’s a great place to come and it’s a huge tournament. I am very happy with that today.”

The Irishman also highlighted an improvement in his putting compared to previous Bay Hill visits. He told Sky Sports: “I putted better today probably than I ever have around here. It’s only one day.”

It’s certainly a good time for the Irishman to be hitting form, with Augusta now honing into view. John Rahm will be looking to defend his 2023 title, and the 29-year-old has had his say on which LIV Golf participants should have been invited to Georgia next month.

“But if that’s the way you’re going to go, I think there’s one player that played fantastic all last season that’s been a little bit left out,” said Rahm.

“And not saying that they all have to, but I think Talor Gooch should be under consideration to possibly get an invite to those majors as well.”