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.