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Lowry still wary of softened Oakmont
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Lowry still wary of softened Oakmont

Shane Lowry will not be taking Oakmont Country Club for granted on day two of the US Open despite the softer conditions provided by heavy rain on Thursday.

Shane Lowry

The Pennsylvania layout is renowned for being one of the toughest tests in golf, with Angel Cabrera winning with a total of five over par the last time the year's second Major Championship was played here in 1997.

Storms in the local area brought torrential rain to the first round, with just nine players able to complete 18 holes and 78 yet to begin their campaigns heading into Friday.

Oakmont Country Club

American Andrew Landry held the lead at three under and was coming up the ninth - his last - when play was suspended for the day at 3.51pm, and he was three shots clear of Lowry, with seven players under par.

The Irishman admitted that the rain had made life easier for the players, but with rain comes even thicker rough, and the three-time European Tour winner knew he still faced a tough test when he returned to complete his seven holes.

"I'm happy to hang on," he said. "I'm on even par through 11 holes. Got a 25-footer on 12 for birdie so I just can't wait to get back out there.

"It's unbelievable the difference. There still aren't too many guys under par.

"I think if you hit it in the fairway, you could hit greens easier. They're not as firm and as fast so it's definitely made it easier for us.

"Obviously the rough is a lot juicier so you really need to keep the ball in the short stuff."

Matthew Fitzpatrick

England's Matthew Fitzpatrick was also at level par having been two under at one point, and he insisted his game-plan would not change with the softer conditions.

"The ball is spinning back a lot," he said. "The first few days you're looking for it to spin. It's a completely different golf course.

It's still a really good test. You've got to hit a really good shot. Every shot is different. There's no bail-out - Matthew Fitzpatrick

"I'll just stick to the same game plan. You don't play any more aggressively. It can still bite you if you miss the green or hit a bad shot."

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