Shane Lowry right in contention after opening round at The Masters in Augusta

Shane Lowry is right in contention after an excellent opening round at The Masters in Augusta.

After round 1 he sits in a tie for sixth place on four under par, three shots off joint leaders Victor Hovland, John Rahm and Brooks Koepka.

Lowry was in fine form from tee to green and had a number of birdie opportunities in the opening holes before he sank a long putt on seven got him to one under par. He followed up with birdies on eight and nine. 

He dropped a shot around Amen Corner on 11 but birdies on 15 and 18 got him up to four under par.

Rory McIlroy had an up and down day before eventually finishing on even par for his round in a tie for 37th.

Seamus Power was in contention but double bogies on 17 and 18 dropped him back to one over for his round.