'One Of The Better Rounds Of My Career' -Lowry In Contention Heading Into Masters Weekend

Shane Lowry produced a stunning four-under-par round at Augusta National, as he moved into a share of second place

Lowry smiles
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Starting the day at one-over-par, Shane Lowry produced a stunning display around Augusta National, as a four-under-par round of 68 catapulted him into a share of second position.

The round from the 35-year-old was that good that Lowry even described it as "one of the better rounds of his career," with the Irishman looking to add a Green Jacket to his Open Championship success in 2019.

Lowry walks to green

Lowry's best finish at The Masters is T21st at the 2021 edition of the event

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Despite the praise, Lowry actually produced a bogey at the opening hole of the day to drop even further back from the leaders. However, birdies at the 2nd and 7th put the Irishman back on course, with a further birdie at the 10th building even more momentum.

To succeed at Augusta National, you need to play the par 5s well and, at the 13th and 15th, that is exactly what Lowry did, with birdies at both putting him four-under-par for his round. Following a run of pars to finish, the former Champion Golfer of the Year sits at three-under-par and five shots back of World No.1, Scottie Scheffler.

Despite the four-under-par round, Lowry admitted that he "didn't enjoy (the round) really much at all," stating that "it was so hard out there." However, the 35-year-old also claimed that "it was one of the better rounds of my career."

Along with Lowry praising his round, the Irishman also complemented his equipment used at Augusta National, with the Major winner specifically praising the Srixon Z-Star XV golf ball, which is used by defending champion, Hideki Matsuyama and Cameron Champ.

Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x