Shane Lowry propelled himself into contention at the RBC Heritage after an excellent second-round 65 that included an eagle and five birdies.
Among the early starters on Friday, the Offaly native had come into day two in South Carolina eight shots off the lead on one under.
But by the time he finished his round, he was up to seven under, within four shots of Corey Conners. The Canadian had also teed off early en route to leapfrogging overnight leader Cameron Smith at the top of the standings with a 64 which puts him on 11 under.
An eagle on the second hole got Lowry off to a fast start before the momentary setback of a bogey on the third.
But he bounced back with a string of birdies on four, five, seven and nine to clamber up the leaderboard.
Just INCHES short of an ace. 😫
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 16, 2021
Bittersweet birdie @ShaneLowryGolf. pic.twitter.com/t5raguOQcV
A bogey-free back nine offered quieter fare for Lowry but he did manage a birdie on 12 to card a 65 and maintain positive momentum ahead of the weekend rounds.
Graeme McDowell is among the late starters on Friday's day two, teeing off from two over.
