Shane Lowry has come a long way since his amateur days, and his appearance has changed quite drastically since he clinched his first win at the Irish Open in 2009. Over his 16-year career, Lowry has been on an upward trajectory, securing multiple titles on both the PGA Tour and European Tour. However, one major title that has eluded him so far is the Masters - but he has his eyes on the prize with the tournament now underway. Following the first round of the prestigious event on Thursday, English golfer Justin Rose leads the pack after going seven-under. Lowry had a steady start at Augusta National, finishing the first day with a score of one-under. He's now gearing up to surpass his best result at the season's opening major - a tie for third place in 2022. Those unfamiliar with the 38-year-old's golfing career might not know that his first professional tournament victory came as an amateur in his home country. In 2009, the County Offaly native won the Irish Open at the County Louth Golf Club while still an amateur, beating Englishman Robert Rock in a sudden death play-off on the third hole to claim the title. At the end of the tournament, 22-year-old Lowry was tied with 32-year-old Rock at 17-under. But it was the Irish youngster who triumphed in the end, becoming only the third amateur to win a European Tour event. Following his shock win, the fresh-faced golfer reflected on the event as he said: "After what happened on the final hole I had to say to myself you're still in it, keep plugging away," as he expressed gratitude towards his supporters by adding: "The crowd were my 15th club." Back when Lowry captured his inaugural European Tour victory, he had a much younger appearance, complete with curlier locks and a clean-shaven face. In present times, however, Lowry is recognised for his thick ginger beard and an improved, more sculpted build - he is also rarely seen without a hat on as he competes across the world. Since his astonishing amateur win in 2009, Lowry has triumphed in one major - clinching the Open Championship in 2019. He has also been on the brink of victory in other significant tournaments over the years. His most notable finishes include joint runner-up at the 2016 US Open, tied for fourth at the 2021 PGA Championship, and sharing third place at the Masters in 2022 - the very event where he is actively vying for more silverware. At the time of his first win in 2009, Lowry admitted that the event would "open so many doors" for his future. Yet, he admitted uncertainty over making an immediate jump to professional status. Now, 16 years on, Lowry stands as a pivotal figure within the game, consistently performing at the peak level against the world's golfing elite. Lowry sets his sights on further trophies this weekend as he prepares to kick off the Masters' second round at 2:15pm GMT, playing in the company of Bryson DeChambeau and former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama.