Shane Lowry felt playing alongside his friend and fellow Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood helped bring out the best in him after posting a first-round 64 at the 2025 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Having also opened with a 64 in the company of Fleetwood at last month's DP World India Championship, the Irishman was once again at his very best with the reigning FedEx Cup champion by his side.
Lowry made nine birdies and a single bogey on Thursday to reach eight under par and sit in a five-way tie at the top of the leaderboard with Fleetwood, Kazuma Kobori, Richard Sterne and Adrien Saddier.
"It was nice," said 2019 champion Lowry, who also played with Rasmus Højgaard in round one. "I was pretty excited when I saw the group, my pairing today and it was nice to go out there with the boys.
"I was paired with (Fleetwood) in India the first two days and I shot 64 as well.
"So yeah, something about me and Tommy. But no, I just like playing with him, your friend, and really good player too.
After both shooting opening rounds of 64, Tommy and Shane give us their thoughts🎙️#ADGolfChamps | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/9L3zr2nwA1
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) November 6, 2025
"And you kind of feed off each other. It was nice."
Fleetwood also enjoyed a fruitful first day at Yas Links, making eight birdies in a bogey-free 64.
Speaking about his group, he said: "Again I'm very lucky. Very comfortable three ball.
"I'm so close to both the guys, Ryder Cup team-mates, played with Rasmus last week. It was great.
"Just you all go out there and you do your thing, and you're just very comfortable in each other's company.
"As much as you focus on your own game, and yeah, shouldn't make that much difference but definitely when you're in a comfortable pairing or group, yeah, it's nice. It's helpful."
The duo then interviewed each other after the round, with Lowry saying: "I played nice. I didn't feel overly comfortable but I hit some nice shots and I was just hanging on to Tommy Fleetwood's coattails, trying to keep up with him!"
Fleetwood added: "I played very well, Shane. I think it always helps when you're in a nice three ball, playing with Rasmus - who I'm close with - and then Shane.
"I had a great day. I think we played some good golf and fed off each other a little bit and looking forward to the rest of the week."
