Shane Lowry surprised by decision Masters organizers made on day one at Augusta

Photo by David Cannon/Getty Images Shane Lowry posted an impressive opening round of 70 at The Masters on Thursday. Lowry is currently sitting three shots adrift of the first-round leaders Sam Burns and defending champion Rory McIlroy. The 39-year-old Irishman loves playing at Augusta National and he was right in the mix to win The Masters last year before a really poor finish to his third round.

Lowry got off to a fine start at Augusta National on Thursday, and was two-under-par after three holes before a double bogey on the fourth hole halted his progress. Photo by Logan Whitton/Augusta National/Getty Images However, a fine par save on seven kickstarted his round once again, and an eagle on the 13th hole helped him card a solid opening round of 70 at The Masters . Lowry warmed up for The Masters by taking an early scouting trip to Augusta National a couple of weeks ago.

That seems to have paid dividends, with the 2019 Open Champion well placed on the leaderboard after 18 holes of the tournament. Shane Lowry surprised by decision Masters organisers made at Augusta Lowry almost certainly would not have shot two-under-par had he not holed a lengthy putt to salvage a four on the seventh hole on Thursday. And the Irishman told reporters after his round how surprised he was to see the pin located on such a severe slope on the seventh green.

“ Yeah, it was pretty good. I’m pretty happy. Obviously I got off to a great start, and I was feeling great, “ Lowry said.