'I was very in control of my game': Lowry goes birdie-birdie-par finish to post opening 69 at Birkdale

'DECENT': Shane Lowry shoots an opening round 69. Pic: David Davies/PA Wire

Shane Lowry survived a back-nine wobble with a birdie-birdie-par finish to stay in touch with the leaders after 18 holes at The 154th Open but he will be hoping for a kinder wind when he resumes his campaign in Friday’s second round.

The 2019 champion and hero of Royal Portrush opened with a one-under-par 69 at Royal Birkdale on Thursday, one of the better scores recorded by the later first-round starters who had to contend with a change of direction in the wind at the Southport links.