Lowry has shot back-to-back rounds of 67 to lead alongside American J.B. Holmes on eight under.

A brilliant start that contained four birdies in the first five holes had Lowry riding the wave of support as he raced into the lead at 10 under before dropping two shots in the final five holes.

"I'm really happy to be where I am. I really, really enjoyed today," said Lowry despite the disappointment of bogey at the 18th.

"There's not too many days like that on the golf course. It's hard to describe."

Lowry led heading into the final round of the US Open in 2016 before blowing his chances by shooting six-over par on the Sunday.

However, the 32-year-old believes he is in a far better place to handle whatever fate comes his way this weekend.

"Look, I'm obviously going to be thinking about it tonight. There's no point in shying away from it. I'm in a great position. But, my God, have we got a long way to go," he added.

"There's two rounds of golf on this golf course against the best field in the world.

"I've just got to go out and do my best, and if that is good enough at the end of the day, we'll have a good night Sunday."