SHANE LOWRY ENDED a rain-delayed opening round of the US Open just two shots off the lead after a terrific finish left him at two under par.
The weather brought a premature end to yesterday’s play at Oakmont when Lowry was on even par through 11 holes. Today, he built on that solid performance with a bogey-free completion of the round.
A terrific approach shot on 14 allowed him help himself to a birdie and take him under par before a sumptuous chip from the fringe of the 17th left him a tap-in to go two under and within two of American Andrew Landry.
The Offaly man’s rise to the upper reach of the leaderboard is in stark contrast with Rory McIlroy’s fortunes since play resumed.
After being called in with +4 after 14 holes yesterday, the 27-year-old was unable to salvage the round and instead compounded his arrears with three straight bogeys to finish.
The Co. Down man is seven over par, 11 shots off the lead.
Graeme McDowell, who didn’t get a chance to begin his round yesterday, is one over par after giving back early birdies on each nine.
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