Shane Lowry, carrying his Ryder Cup momentum from New York, found the Delhi traffic noise less distracting as he surged to the top of the leaderboard at the DP World India Championship. Teaming up with Luke Donald and Tommy Fleetwood, the No.25-ranked golfer delivered a stellar performance, securing a one-shot lead with a remarkable opening round of 64, highlighted by five consecutive birdies on the back nine.
Lowry expressed his contentment with the draw, citing recent positive experiences with his fellow players. Reflecting on the Ryder Cup, he mentioned the background noise of Delhi’s honks and horns was far less bothersome compared to the rowdiness he encountered at Bethpage.
The Irish golfer, who enjoyed a flawless round with eight birdies, specifically praised the challenging 6,912-yard course at the Delhi Golf Club, noting that such tight layouts suit his game well. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy opted for a strategic approach, avoiding the use of his driver and relying on long irons and fairway woods to navigate the demanding course.
McIlroy, who managed a respectable three-under 69, acknowledged the course’s difficulty, emphasizing the need for precision over power off the tee. Despite the challenges, both Lowry and McIlroy remain determined to maintain their performance levels throughout the tournament.