Shane Lowry carded a disappointing one-under-par 70 in the opening round of the Cognizant Classic in Florida to sit eight shots off leader Austin Smotherman.<\/p>\n
The Offaly man, starting on the back nine, birdied his first but dropped three shots and picked up just one more before the turn.<\/p>\n
The former Open winner carded further birdies on the first and third holes and parred the remaining six to sign for a 70 at The Palm Beaches.<\/p>\n
Waterford’s S\u00e9amus Power, who also started on the back nine, was one shot further back after his even-par round where he managed two birdies and two bogeys, including a dropped shot at the last.<\/p>\n
USA’s Smotherman was flawless as he finished with nine birdies in his round.<\/p>\n
No players in this week’s field are ranked top-25 in the world.<\/p>\n
More to follow…<\/p>\n