Friendship the fuel as Shane Lowry takes two-shot lead at Arnold Palmer

Shane Lowry of Ireland and Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland share a moment at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. PHOTO: AFP

UPDATED Mar 08, 2025, 11:21 AM

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MIAMI – A relaxed mind was the key for Shane Lowry, as he fired a five-under 67 to open up a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando on March 7.

The 37-year-old Irishman reeled off six birdies and one bogey to head into the weekend at the Bay Hill Club & Lodge on eight-under 136 through 36 holes.

Lowry has played the first two rounds this week alongside close friend Rory McIlroy – a fact that he believes has assisted his strong start to the tournament.

The pair could be seen laughing and chatting throughout the round, and Lowry admitted the close proximity of his Ryder Cup teammate had helped take his mind off the task in hand.

“If I’m playing with somebody I like and get on well with, I’ll have conversations in the walk between shots,” he said.

“It’s a long day out there, so you need to occupy your mind somehow. I felt like we had a good time with doing our job at the same time.