Lowry opens with 70 as Kitayama leads Honda Classic

Shane Lowry hit an opening round 70 at the Honda Classic, where Kurt Kitayama posted the lowest score of the day with a six-under par 64 at PGA National Resort in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

The Offaly man split his two birdies and bogeys between the front and back nine to sit half a dozen shots off the lead, with Padraig Harrington a further three shots back after a 73.

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The three-time major winner came a cropper at the ninth with a double bogey and struggled on the back nine with three bogeys before finishing well with a birdie at the last.

Kitayama missed the cut in his past five starts, but that didn't stop him from excelling at a challenging track. He leads Daniel Berger, Chris Kirk and Rory Sabbatini by one shot. Tied for fifth at three under are Peter Uihlein, Andrew Kozan, Aaron Rai, Danny Willett and Matthias Schwab.