Lowry on course despite firing off ‘thud’ missile

Shane Lowry produced his lowest score in three months despite hitting a female spectator on the head with an errant shot on the opening day of the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart.

There was a clear audible ‘thud’ when the ball hit the middle-aged woman who was sitting in a grandstand at the back of the 17th green.

It is one of the worst sights for any golfer and with Lowry naturally concerned for the woman’s well-being before handing her the gift of a signed glove and then managing to save par on his way to a six-under-par 66.

It was Lowry’s lowest score in three months since a similar 66 during the Spanish Open and left the current World No 86 trailing just two shots behind England’s John Parry, while compatriot Simon Khan signed for a 65.

Lowry shares third place with six others, including four-time Major winner Phil Mickelson.

“The golf course was very much there for the taking and while it’s playing really firm the greens are still quite receptive,” said Lowry.

“The par-fives are all on in two and there is also two driveable par-fours, so it you didn’t shoot a good decent score out there you would be pretty annoyed with yourself.”

However, despite Lowry’s delight he declared his game is not near as ready with the season’s third Major now less than a week away.

“Even as good a score as it was today my game is nowhere near as ready for Muirfield,” he said.

“I don’t feel I played well enough today because some of the shots I hit today will get severely punished next week, so there is still much work to do.

“But the good thing is that I will have these next three rounds to further sharpen my game and try and straighten up my iron shots, which will be the key at Muirfield.”

Paul McGinley birdied his opening three holes and then hit a career-best drive of 385-yards at the par-five sixth hole and then hit a 192-yard eight-iron to 35 feet and holed the eagle putt.

He then ended his round in grand style by holing a 20-foot putt for birdie in a five-under-par round of 67.

“I can’t believe how far that drive went as I’ve never hit a 385-yard drive, but I was five-under on the front nine and could have easily been eight under as that’s how well I was playing,” he said.

“So, overall, I’m thrilled and there’s no doubt trying to play what with all the Ryder Cup captaincy stuff going on is what everybody has said, and that is it’s tougher than I thought it would be. But I still don’t want to use that for any excuse and there’s no reason why I can’t play solid golf like I showed today”.

Also shooting a 67 was Damien McGrane, while Darren Clarke, Gareth Maybin and Simon Thornton signed for 69s.

Pádraig Harrington’s round stalled early when he lost a ball with his drive at the par-five 12th hole or the third hole of his round.

“It is always nice to finish with a birdie, especially after an early double bogey as that’s not the way you ever want to start a round,” said Harrington after his 70.

“But to then make four birdies after the double was okay and not a bad return because I was seeing very little momentum after the double bogey onwards.

“So after struggling early but then finishing nicely it gives me something to play with tomorrow.”

Harrington is contesting the first two rounds alongside Mickelson and the visiting Californian was full of praise for the Dubliner after shaking hands following their successful day together.

“I just love playing with Pádraig and he is one of my favourite people on tour and his caddy Ronan is a great guy, and will always be going out to dinner,” said Mickelson.

“Pádraig’s just one of the most solid individuals and great men that I know.”