US PGA Championship: Shane Lowry ‘disappointed’ with first round

Shane Lowry conceded he struggled to get to grips with the course at the Quail Hollow after a disappointing first round at the US PGA Championship.

The Irishman shot a first round of 73 to finish on two over par, ending with a costly bogey on the ninth after a run of four pars before that.

The 2019 Open winner was frustrated with his troubles at a course he knows he finds difficult.

“I always struggle around here, and it was another one of those days,” he told BBC Sport NI. “I’m disappointed but I’m more disappointed with my finish than my start,”.

“I had two great chances on seven and eight and then to bogey nine is really annoying, but it is what it is.”

The 38-year-old knows improvement is necessary in the second round as he attempts to make the cut.

Lowry is seven behind leader Ryan Gerard, although he is one shot in front of close friend Rory McIlroy, who also endured a tough opening round.

“I just have to shoot a low one tomorrow, but I don’t see the ball going close out there and I don’t see birdies, so it is tough when it’s like that,” Lowry added.

“I’ll give it my best tomorrow and see what happens.”