Shane Lowry takes lead at the Arnold Palmer Invitational

Seamus Power finished his round even after a round of 72 with Rory McIlroy finishing on one over 73.

Thu, 07 Mar, 2024 - 23:29

Shane Lowry closed out the first day of the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a one-shot lead at Bay Hill, building on his momentum from last week's Cognizant Classic.

The Irishman was in contention to record his first victory at a regular PGA Tour event at Palm Beach Gardens, but came unstuck on the final day.

He rebounded with a six-under-par 66 in Orlando on Thursday to take a one-shot lead from Justin Lower and Hideki Matsuyama.

Lowry picked up just one shot on the front nine, but came home strongly with four birdies and an eagle on the closing stretch.

Lowry's compatriot Seamus Power and England's Justin Rose have work to do on Friday after recording level par 72s, alongside Cognizant Classic winner Austin Eckroat.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and England's Tommy Fleetwood are a shot further back on one-over-par.

Speaking after his round Lowry was happy with the way his round went.

"My record here is incredibly bad and I had very low expectations going in today.

"I knew I was playing well coming off last week and I spoke to my coach this morning phone and just said get out there and try to get some fairways and greens and make a few putts when I can and see what happens and just enjoy it as best I can.

"So I'll try it out the rest of the week and hopefully, I can keep this good golf up."