Credit: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Updated 3pm
SHANE LOWRY TOPS the leaderboard in the early stages on Day 1 of the Irish Open.
The 2009 champion, who is the touring professional at Carton House and lives next to the Kildare course, shot a first round of 67 in miserable conditions this afternoon to sit on five under – with Australia’s Andrew Dodt, Limerick native Cian McNamara, Thomas Bjorn of Denmark and Englishman Paul Casey all one shot back.
World number two Rory McIlroy will be disappointed with his form thus far after carding a two-over-par 74 thanks to four bogeys.
Further back in the field, Paul McGinley is two under, Peter Lawrie is par while Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington are both on one over through four and five holes respectively.
First published 2.40pm
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