It hasn't always been plain sailing for Shane Lowry at Augusta National, but it remains his favourite golf course. This week, the Open champion is looking to give a better account of himself in Georgia.
On Thursday the 33-year-old will set out on his fifth appearance at the tournament, but only in 2016 has he made it to Saturday. An opening round 68 paved the way on that occasion, but some opening round setbacks have seen him miss three of the four cuts.
Last year he carded a 79 on the Thursday to end his hopes early, but has played his way into some decent form at the opportune time.
He eventually tied for 11th in Houston at the weekend – four birdies in a row saw him share the lead for a short while – but is happy where his game is at right now.
"I'm probably coming in a with a bit more form than I have ever have. I do feel like my game is in a good place," he said.
"It’s my favourite place in the world to play golf, but it’s somewhere I have never had much success. I don’t think I have shot too many great rounds around here, but I’m hoping the time of year might change my luck.
"I’m probably coming in a with a bit more form than I have ever have. I do feel like my game is in a good place."
Lowry will tee off on Thursday alongside defending champion Tiger Woods and American amateur Andy Ogletree.
The 2020 edition will be a unique one given Covid restrictions, but after getting his first taste of the course yesterday, Lowry says the difference between playing in November rather than April isn’t as significant as some may think.
"The grass a little different in places, but doesn’t feel like it plays a whole lot different," adding that the firm greens will be softened somewhat by the expected rain fall.
You need to play the par fives well to shoot a decent scor
So what has gone wrong for the Offaly man in previous years at the Masters?
"I have never driven the ball well around here and that is strange. I have never played the par fives well around here and everybody knows you need to play the par fives well to shoot a decent score.
"I kind have my eye on that a little bit this week. Hopefully I can get off to a good start on Thursday."
Playing "aggressive and smart" is what Lowry is hoping to implement from the outset, and the motivation to become the first Irish man to don the green jacket is something is acutely aware of.
Whether it could ever match the emotional high of winning the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush is something he will only know should the moment come to pass.
"I’ll struggle [to match winning the Open], but if I have a chance, it will be around here. To be the first Irish man to ever wear the green jacket would be very special, and would be one of the few things that could top it.
"I achieved something very, very special last year. I probably won’t ever top that, but it could be around here. I think they [achievements] would be on par."
