LOWRY'S RIGHT IN THE MIX

AS Shane Lowry climbed the hill to approach the ninth green, he glanced over at the giant leaderboard overlooking the final hole.

- BY DENIS KIRWAN

His name was appearing on it for the first time at three-under par.

Lowry spent a little time surveying the scores and knew he was very much in contention to win this title.

A two-putt on the ninth green for a par sent Lowry out in 34 - two under par - with birdies on both Par 5s, the second and eighth holes, and another on the Par 3 6th after a superb approach to 10 feet.

His sole dropped shot in the front nine was a result of a pulled tee shot on the 240-yard Par 3 4th hole.