Lowry feeling "dangerous" after super 67 at Valspar

Shane Lowry

Shane Lowry turned in a blistering 29 en route to a four-under 67 and insisted he could be “dangerous” this weekend as he chases victory in the Valspar Championship in his final warm-up for the Masters.

The world number 15 started like a man possessed at the demanding Copperhard track at Innisbrook and made six birdies to match the lowest nine-hole score of his PGA TOUR career.

After starting with three birdies in a row, he made another at the 14th, then rolled in a 35-footer at the 16th before matching a two at the 17th to surge two clear of the on six-under.

He cooled down on the back nine, dropping shots at the second and ninth in cold and blustery conditions.

But he was more than happy with his day’s work, which left him tied for fifth, just two shots behind Jacob Bridgeman, who shot a 69 to lead by a shot from Viktor Hovland, Ryo Hisatsune and Ben An.

“I just got it going,” Lowry beamed. “I got some nice numbers and then hit some good shots, and when I hit good shots, I converted the putts.

“I played that nine holes pretty flawlessly didn't really miss many shots… Unfortunately, I wasn't as good on the other nine, but I think four-under on a day like today, if you had given me that in the locker room this morning I would have taken it.”

Lowry played in multiple layers in freezing morning conditions and while he expected the later starters to take advantage of sunnier weather, he was more than pleased with his work.

“I think somebody might get out and go away this afternoon,” he said. “But I think I'll be late enough tomorrow on, you know, with two good days, I could be dangerous.”

Hovland put three successive missed cuts behind him to add a 67 to his opening 71 to lead alongside Hisatsune, who shot 66 as Seamus Power’s 72 left him tied for 39th on level par.

Lowry won’t play again before the Masters but Rory McIlroy will join Pádraig Harrington and Scottie Scheffler in next week’s Texas Children's Houston Open.