GOLF – SHANE Lowry and Nacho Elvira both produced brilliant rounds of 68 in windy conditions yesterday to share a two-shot lead at the 2026 Dubai Invitational.
Irishman Lowry began the day three shots behind good friend and Grand Slam champion Rory McIlroy, but some stunning iron play and clutch putting saw him overhaul his playing partner.
The Major champion is aiming to secure his first DP World Tour title since winning the 2022 BMW PGA Championship and he showcased his quality with five birdies and two bogeys to get to five under for his first two days’ work.
Spaniard Elvira surged into contention thanks to four birdies in his final six holes for a matching 68 – the best rounds of the day.
England’s Marcus Armitage and Spain’s David Puig were tied for third at three-under, while McIlroy, Thriston Lawrence, Antoine Rozner, and Angel Ayora were one shot further back at two under.
American Ryggs Johnston recorded the first hole-in-one of 2026 when his aced the 218-yard par-three eighth with a six iron.
“Very happy,” said Lowry. “It was hard. It was tricky. You know, like that putt on the last hole, you don’t hole a lot of putts like that, and I did well. I did a good job. A couple sloppy mistakes on the front nine, but I was playing good and giving myself chances.
“Just had a great day out there. I really enjoyed it. I had a great group. Two great amateurs, and yeah, it was – playing golf in a good frame of mind makes it a little bit easier. That’s sort of a little lesson for me for the rest of the season. If I play golf like that for the rest of the season in that frame of mind, I’ll be pretty good.
“First tournament of the year you don’t know what to expect. So going out there in the last group now on Saturday is nice, and yeah, keep it going and we’ll see what happens.”
Elvira commented: “I feel like off the tee I hit it really well. That’s something I struggled with in the past, and we made a couple changes and I think it’s paying off. So I’m very happy with the way I’m hitting it off the tee, it’s putting me in good positions to take advantage.
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