Shane Lowry delivered a stunning performance at the Irish Open, shooting a course-record 62 on the first day at Trump International Golf Links in County Clare. The 2009 amateur Open champion, who has not won an individual title in four years, surged ahead by making six birdies in seven holes on his front nine. The improved playing conditions—following Thursday’s heavy wind and rain—helped Lowry establish a three-shot lead over China’s Li Haotong and Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen. Lowry finished the day at -11 after a dramatic 19-foot birdie at the 15th hole. Although he considered the possibility of a sub-60 round, a three-putt on the 13th hole prevented that feat. Defending champion Rory McIlroy, who is seeking a third Irish Open title, struggled with his putting and finished the day nine shots behind Lowry. Despite a standout moment—an eagle at the eighth hole after a 267-yard fairway metal shot within two feet—McIlroy bogeyed the 11th and missed several birdie opportunities. He managed to sink a 40-foot putt at the 17th but took three putts on the final hole, costing him a shot. McIlroy admitted to difficulties reading the greens over the past two days, though he was satisfied with his performance off the tee. Other notable performances included Li Haotong, who carded seven birdies, an eagle, and two bogeys for a 63, while Jacob Skov Olesen mixed seven birdies with a single bogey in a 64. Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin improved on his opening round with a 68, moving to five under par. This group also includes Scotland’s Ewen Ferguson (66) and 2024 winner Rasmus Hojgaard (63). Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre bounced back from an opening 72 with a strong 65, placing him eight shots back. Two-time winner Jon Rahm also finished at eight under with a 67, while Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed, who won the 2018 Masters, was one shot better at four under. Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka needed a birdie on the final hole to reach a 66, which kept him just inside the projected cut line at one over. The competition remains wide open as the tournament moves into the final rounds, with Lowry in control but several other players in contention.