Shane Lowry hopes tough conditions can help reel in Scheffler

Shane Lowry believes that the expected tough weather conditions at the Masters over the weekend could work to his advantage as he tries to chase down runaway leader Scottie Scheffler.

The Offaly man produced a majestic four-under-par 68 on Friday and when he was signing his card, it looked like a score that would probably have him within a shot or two of the lead heading into Saturday's third round.

However world number one Scheffler went on the charge on the back nine late on Friday with four birdies helping him to an eight-under score, five clear of second-placed Lowry, Sungjae Im, reigning champion Hideki Matsuyama and 2011 champion Charl Schwartzel.

There’s a lot of golf to be played yet, and Lowry is hopeful that the blustery conditions play into his hands.

"I play well in tough conditions. I much prefer the scoring be like this than 20-under. This is where I think I thrive, in these kind of conditions. Yeah, it's supposed to be windy tomorrow.

"And knowing Augusta, it will probably be easier pins on Sunday. Scoring might get a little better on Sunday, but tomorrow (Saturday) you need to put yourself in a position to give yourself a chance on Sunday, so that's my goal for tomorrow."

Despite producing one of the best rounds on Friday, buoyed by a brilliant chip in on the 10th, Lowry said that it hadn't been an enjoyable experience.

"I didn't enjoy it really much at all. It was so hard out there.

"Look, it was one of my better rounds of my career, I think. It was quite tricky out there, quite difficult, and I managed to play some good golf and hole some nice putts at the right times. I'm, obviously, very happy with my score.

"There was a lot more disappointed standing here yesterday, and, yeah, I'm in a great position going