Lowry 'fought' first-tee nerves on Portrush return
The Irishman, who lifted the Claret Jug when the championship was last staged at Portrush in 2019, said he had "mentally fought with this round of golf" for a number of weeks.
Three birdies and two bogeys saw him finish one under in a round played through the worst of Thursday's rain.
"Everything is great, I'm happy," said the world number 18.
"I've fought with this round of golf in my head for a few weeks now. I knew it wasn't going to be easy.
"Any time you shoot one-under-par around Portrush in those conditions, I think is decent."
Lowry likened his nerves on the first tee to those experienced at the Ryder Cup.
"The first tee shot wasn't that easy. I wasn't feeling very comfortable there.
"It's going to be all right for the rest of the week. I just wanted to get my tournament under way.
"Obviously I want so much to do well in this tournament. I want so much to give myself a chance on Sunday."
Lowry concluded his round during Rory McIlroy's opening holes but the 38-year-old was still afforded a rousing reception as he finished up with a par.
"I wasn't expecting 18 to be full with Rory out on the course," he added.
"It was pretty cool. The crowd have been amazing all week.
"I won the last time here, and I'm trying to use it to my advantage."
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