Staff WriterShane Lowry wasted no time making himself at home in Delhi, torching the back nine with five straight birdies to grab the first-round lead at the 2025 DP World India Championship.
The Irishman’s eight-under-par 64 was as smooth as a pint in Clara and just as satisfying, earning him a one-shot cushion heading into day two.
The tight corridors and tangled rough of Delhi Golf Club are about as forgiving as a tax inspector, yet Shane Lowry carved the course apart with a bogey-free masterclass.
Playing alongside Ryder Cup comrades Luke Donald and Tommy Fleetwood, the former Open Champion looked utterly at ease—though you wouldn’t call it casual. This was a surgeon at work.
“Gave myself a lot of chances and then on the back nine, it was pretty nice. A really nice group, playing with Luke and Tommy, we all had a great time and we all played pretty good. I just rolled in a few more birdies than they did on the back nine,” said Lowry.
He wasn’t exaggerating. After a steady start featuring back-to-back birdies at the 5th and 6th, Lowry lit the fuse from the turn, picking up shots at 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 in a ruthless stretch of scoring that reduced one of Asia’s most demanding layouts to a playground.
“You know, 64 is a really nice score. It’s not that hard when you are out there but when you start missing fairways it becomes quite tricky. Happy with that.”
Nakajima chasing, Gangjee flying the flag for India
For most of Thursday, Japan’s Keita Nakajima looked like he’d take the overnight lead. His seven-under 65 was full of confidence and control, exactly what you’d expect from a man who won the Hero Indian Open just last year.
“Today was a pretty solid day. I made eight birdies on this golf course, and I’m happy with that… When I come to India, my golf is getting better, but I don’t know why,” he admitted.
South African Casey Jarvis sits alone in third after a tidy 66, while India’s home hopes rest highest with Rahil Gangjee, who turned back the clock with a five-under 67 capped by a roaring eagle finish.
“Obviously it’s great to finish 5-under on the first round… I’ve only played this place a thousand times, so I’m not shocked the way I played,” said the veteran. “Made some changes to my putting stroke… So I’m glad it’s working out. That’s all I can say.”
McIlroy avoids the driver—and the jungle
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy, making his long-awaited debut in India, opted for caution over carnage and eased his way to 69 (-3). Amazingly, he didn’t even pull driver out of the bag.
“It’s pretty tricky. You’re just really trying to be as conservative as possible off the tee and then trying to pick off birdies on the par-5s… I’m never going to hit driver,” he said. “I just don’t see any hole out there that I hit to hit it more than say 260, 270 off the tee.”
Lowry enjoying Ryder Cup afterglow
Shane Lowry, still humming from Europe’s Ryder Cup win, looked like a man in the form of his life—and enjoying every minute of it.
“When I saw the draw, I was really happy… We could hear the horns from the road. It was not as off-putting as the Bethpage crowd,” he grinned. “There was a little Ryder Cup chat out there but… Ultimately we all want to beat each other, too, even though we are friends.”
If this is Shane Lowry in first gear, Delhi might want to brace itself. The man has momentum, mischief, and a scorecard without a blemish. And in tournament golf, that combination tends to travel well.
