Friday 9 October 2015 18:52, UK
Shane Lowry said he was frustrated with the outcome of his second round at the British Masters, but claimed he is happy to still be in contention ahead of the weekend's play.
Lowry, added a two-under 69 to his opening-day 66 to lie two strokes off the pace at seven-under-par, admits he struggled with the different green conditions at Woburn.
"It was quite a frustrating day," said the Irishman. "I felt like I was playing okay but really struggled with the greens out there. I struggled with the pace and struggled to get the ball online.
"It wasn't easy, but I kept fighting, kept going, stayed patient. Made a couple birdies towards the end. Made a bad bogey on six. Other than that, I'm pretty happy where I am going into the weekend."
The 28-year-old has played in just one tournament since his win at the WGC-Bridgestone in August, and said he was pleased with how quickly he has rediscovered his form, making just two bogeys in his last four competitive rounds.
"I felt a little bit rusty the first couple of rounds last week, but played well in the weekend. Obviously the last couple of days have gone well," he added.
"I made two bogeys in my last four competitive rounds, which is nice. I just need to keep that going and keep plugging away."
Padraig Harrington was another player to struggle with the greens at Woburn, and the three-time major winner said his putting was the main factor behind his one-over-par second round.
"It was very, very hard to read the greens today. My three three-putts were definitely down to the shadows," said Harrington.
"I hit three good first putts, all from 35 feet or so, but I just misjudged them in the shadows.
"It does make a big difference, I've got to say, seeing the slopes and that. It's a lot easier to see the lines when there aren't any shadows around."
Despite his misfortunes on Friday, an opening round of 66 means Harrington is just five shots off the leaders, a gap which the 44-year-old is confident he can close.
"If the lead stays at nine-under-par today I'm not out of it," Harrington added.
"I did well after my three-putts but it just makes you a little bit tentative. You want to free up to play your best golf and when you've dropped a few shots and good things aren't happening, you start to get a bit too careful.
"When you hole a few putts, make a few birdies, you're happy about things and that's always a good sign."
