Shane Lowry makes solid start at Wyndham Championship in pursuit of Fed Ex spot

Shane Lowry made a positive start at the Wyndham Championship as he attempts to qualify for the Fed Ex play-offs for a fifth straight season.

The former Open champion is ranked 76th in the standings and needs to climb inside the top 70 after the field for next week's first play-off event was reduced from 125.

With that in mind, Lowry will be satisfied with his two-under opening round of 68, a score leaving him three off clubhouse leader Adam Scott with the second wave of golfers still to complete their rounds.

In wet conditions, Lowry, who started on the 10th tee, opening with five straight pars before a birdie at the par-five 15th moved him under par for his round.

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A bogey followed at one after finding sand off the tee, but back-to-back birdies at the fifth and sixth left him in a good position heading into round two.

Scott is one of just two players on Tour who hasn't missed the FedExCup Playoffs since the format was introduced in 2007, but he entered the North Carolina event 81st in the rankings and needing a big week.

Seven birdies, along with bogeys at the second and 18th, has given him the perfect start.