Lowry faced a tough challenge at Royal Troon, where the course punished many top players. On a day when Tiger Woods missed another cut, nine of the world’s top 20 players, including Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Aberg, and Bryson DeChambeau, also failed to make it through.

Lowry had a moment where he almost lost his temper with a photographer who distracted him. He hit a shot into the gorse bush, then hit a beautiful provisional shot to the 11th green that didn’t count when his lost ball was found. This led to a double bogey, erasing his two-shot lead.

Despite these setbacks, Lowry managed to stay calm. He made two birdies on the last three holes, finishing with a 2-under 69. This performance left him in a strong position as he aimed for the silver claret jug, which he first won at Royal Portrush five years ago. He held a two-shot lead over Justin Rose and Daniel Brown going into the weekend.

“I was in control of my ball and did all the right things for most of the round. When I got into a bit of trouble, I felt like I finished the round really well,” Lowry said. “I’m pretty happy with the day. To be leading this tournament after two days is why you come here. It’s why we’re here.”

Lowry’s experience and composure helped him navigate the challenging conditions at Royal Troon. His ability to recover from difficult situations showed his resilience. Despite the pressure and distractions, he maintained his focus and ended the day in the lead.

The challenging course conditions affected many top players, but Lowry’s steady performance set him apart. His determination and skill kept him in contention for another major win. As the tournament continued, he looked forward to building on his strong start and aiming for the top prize once again.