Shane Lowry Leads the Pack: Stellar Performance at Arnold Palmer Invitational Opener

Shane Lowry took charge at the Arnold Palmer Invitational’s opening round claiming a one shot lead with a six-under 66 secured by a birdie at the 17th hole. Despite a bogey on the 14th, Lowry’s strong back-nine performance including an eagle on the par-five 12th,propelled him ahead of Justin Lower and Hideki Matsuyama.

Lowry expressed caution given his past struggles at Bay Hill where he traditionally missed the cut five out of six times. Behind the leaders, a group at four-under includes Russell Henley, Lee Hodges, Sam Burns and Sahith Theegala. Notable names like Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Brian Harman and Will Zalatoris are at three under while world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is one shot back.

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood are among those struggling to make the cut at one over. Defending champion Kurt Kitayama had a challenging start finishing six over par.