Shane Lowry tested several new drivers this week but still led the Arnold Palmer Invitational.
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Shane Lowry held two shots to the lead midway through the 2025 Arnold Palmer Invitational. It’s only when you know the trials and ordeals that Lowry has experienced with his driver this week.
“A little tinkering with the driver” after Lowry was upset with his big stick in the last game before Bay Hill’s first round. But it’s an understatement when you hear the details in the horse’s mouth.
“I think there were problems with the drivers I used last week for a few days,” Laurie told reporters after the first round. “I used different things on Sunday and today I used different things again. So I don’t have a hundred percent trust in this yet, but I did hit some really good drives except when I was 18. I’m very happy with what’s in my schoolbag.”
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The change did not shake his game. The 2019 Open champion eliminated the Under-69 69 in dangerous conditions on Thursday to spark a battle. Incredibly, when asked which driver he ended up using, Laurie didn’t know.
“What model? This is another Srixon. I don’t know,” Laurie said Thursday. “I had about 15 drivers here on Tuesday, so I don’t know which one I ended up getting.”
Then on Friday, Lowry got better. He shot 67, reaching below eight and leading.
After the second round, Lowry confirmed that the same driver he used on Friday used the same driver on Thursday, again explaining the extensive tests he experienced this week.
“I think my driver gave up on me last week, which I’ve been using. Yes, I’m not driving around PGA National and think my driver has a problem,” Lowry shared. “I’ve been testing some this week. Last Sunday, I used another one and then did some testing on Tuesday. I found something I really like, but it’s just a trust in the course. When you get into a golf course like this, there are a few very, very tough tees that you really need, and you really need a certain commitment and trust, and I’m going to try to do that on the weekend.”
He continued: “It gets there and feels better, but not as comfortable as I usually do. Usually, it’s one of the best clubs in my schoolbag. But I feel like I can be dangerous when I do play games.”
Consider that despite his low confidence in the driver, he is already looking for the kind of confidence he wants, but the rest of the other areas can be better paid attention.
