Having made the turn on level par, Lowry laid waste to the course on the way back to the clubhouse – taking just 29 shots to get home as he carded five birdies and an eagle.
That was enough for a 7-under par 65 for his opening round, which leaves him in a share of second place in Florida.
World number one Jason Day is the man to catch however – he produced a flawless opening round, which featured a birdie on the iconic 17th, to hold a two-shot lead from 9-under par.
