Shane Lowry fine with 76 on windy day

On most days Irishman Shane Lowry would look at 76 on his scorecard and cringe.

Friday was not most days.

Windy conditions made Augusta National a challenging day at the office for the players during the second round of the Masters.

“That’s some of the toughest golf I’ve ever played,” Lowry said. “So when you look at the 36-hole total, I’m pleased. I’m sitting in a decent spot going into the weekend.”

Lowry opened his second trip to the Masters on Thursday firing 4-under 68, good for a tie for second. Friday’s 76, a roller-coaster of a round, left him at even-par 144 and tied for ninth place.

“It was very difficult out there,” Lowry said. “Some pins you just can’t get to and you had to be very disciplined. When you get your chances, you had to take them.”

Lowry, 29, missed the cut last year. He said his comfort level is much better this year and he has rented a house where eight of his family, friends, fiancée, along with an excellent chef, are enjoying their stay.

“Sleeping great,” Lowry said.

That comfort zone was put to the test early Friday. Lowry opened with back-to-back bogeys, then his drive at No. 3 went left and in the sand.

“Every shot out there is so tough,” he said. “It’s hard to describe how tough it is. You can’t judge the wind directions, the greens are firm and it’s hard to get at the pins. It’s important to be mentally tough. I thought I was OK even with the start I had. I kept my head on quite well and didn’t get annoyed at myself.”

Lowry saved par on No. 3 after the wayward drive with a nifty third chip shot.

Lowry got to 3-under at No. 9 but was back at par by No. 12 when he took a double bogey after take a drop out of a bush “because I didn’t want to hit that tee shot again.”

He had a chance to finish Friday at 1-under, but he closed his day with a bogey on No. 18. He still smiled as he departed the green.

“I’m a little disappointed with the 76,” Lowry said. “Of course if you would have offered me this two-round total on Wednesday, I would have taken it. It’s up to me to go out there and try and do what I can (Saturday) and give myself half a chance. You never know.”