OFFALY’S SHANE LOWRY is one shot off the lead at the WGC-HSBC Champions at Mission Hills this morning.
Lowry was leading with two holes to go but carded a pair of late bogeys.
The former Irish Open winner is still very much in the mix in a group that includes Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.
Australian Adam Scott and South African Louis Oosthuizen shot opening rounds of 65 to grab a share of the lead.
World number six Scott fired two birdies and an eagle in his last three holes at the Olazabal Course at Mission Hills Golf Club in Shenzhen in China to move to seven-under overall.
Scott, who is chasing a second WGC title after last year’s Bridgestone Invitational, was thrilled with his effort on Thursday.
“It was a solid day that all of a sudden turned into a really good day,” he said. ”I hit a lot of good shots, and they ended up finishing close on the last couple holes and I took advantage of that.
“With five par-fives, it sets up well for my game, and the plan is to just take advantage of the fives and hopefully hang in there with the leaders all week.”
Former British Open champion Oosthuizen fired seven birdies in his round, including one from 15 feet on the ninth, to join Scott in the clubhouse.
American duo Mickelson — a two-time winner of the event — and Watson both carded six-under 66s to share third place with last week’s BMW Masters winner Peter Hanson of Sweden and Lowry.
Dustin Johnson and Prom Meesawat were back in equal seventh place at five-under ahead of former world number one Luke Donald, who headlined a group of five players – including defending champion Martin Kaymer – at four-under.
