Shane Lowry craving one more big one as major show returns to Oakmont & Portrush

Irish Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Shane Lowry's focus is on going one better on his return to the US Open venue where he came so close to glory in 2016.Lowry took a four-shot lead into the final round at Oakmont only for Dustin Johnson to claim the major triumph. The Clara man's form deserted him at the crucial moment as he shot a 76.The 38-year-old is back on the famously tough Pennsylvania track this week with redemption on his mind after a very strong season to date, albeit one that is yet to yield a victory - but with inspiration flowing after Rory McIlroy's Grand Slam finish to the Masters.
"I have never been more jealous, or more happy, of anyone in my whole life of watching what Rory did at the Masters," said Lowry, who will tee it up with McIlroy for the first two rounds on Thursday and Friday.
"I think it's incredible - for everyone, for him, for Irish golf, for everyone around him. It just puts fire in my belly to kick on and be better than I have been.
"I only want to add one more to my name, one of these big ones - and obviously we have Portrush in a few weeks so there's an exciting summer ahead."
Lowry admits it is going to be a serious mental test this week, but added: "For me, on the eye, it's less daunting than other courses we play.
"There's not much trouble other than rough and the greens, there are not many hazards, you are not standing on many tee boxes with water hazards down the fairways or coming into greens.
"It's a proper US Open test and growing up wanting to play US Opens and watching US Opens on TV this is what it was. This is what a US Open is about and I always get excited coming to these venues."
As much as he was gutted to leave Oakmont without the win nine years ago, he did have one big positive takeaway - the knowledge that he had the game to win a major.Lowry put that into practice in The Open at Royal Portrush three summers later when he captured the Claret Jug, and in just over a month's time he will return to the Dunluce Links hoping to recreate those magical scenes.And Donagh McArdle, who coached Lowry during his teenage years, believes his former pupil will be 'all guns blazing' to win The Open again on very familiar ground.Tourism NI's Epic Journey to The 153rd Open saw the Claret Jug arrive at O'Connor Square, giving fans the opportunity to have selfies taken with it and join in a series of fun games, all designed to showcase how Northern Ireland is 'Made for Golf'.Meanwhile, McArdle was speaking at an event in Tullamore organised by Tourism NI in honour of Lowry's triumph on the Causeway Coast in 2019.'Shane will go to Portrush determined to put on a show," said McArdle. "As a previous winner he knows what it takes to do well on this course and he will also be wanting to show that 2019 was not a flash in the pan."Lowry was brought into the satellite Leinster coaching system during his secondary school years, with McArdle at Tullamore Golf Club developing his game.'I've been a golf pro for 30 years and have been coaching for 20 years," he said. "I was coaching Shane at the time he made the Ireland team and then went on to win the Irish Open and I know when he's firing on all cylinders and really tuned in, there's nobody better.'When it comes to natural ability he's proven that he's on a different level to most golfers. I would compare him with the Phil Mickelsons and Seves of this world, he has ability you can't teach.
'For me, when you consider his flare and natural ability along with his shot making and short game, he's more of an Open winner than maybe a Masters or US Open champion. The Portrush links will suit his game and he knows how to win there.
'But, as they say, the hardest place to win is at home as the Irish lads will have the eyes of the world on them. For players like Shane and Rory, it's not their first rodeo and they know how to handle this pressure.'
Lowry battled the elements during his final round in Portrush to see off the challenge of Tommy Fleetwood, his 15-under par total securing a comfortable six shot victory in the end.'Shane was brought up playing links golf and in all kinds of weather conditions," said McArdle. "Being able to handle these conditions can give players from here an advantage.'In 2019 Shane had to really dig it out and it was wonderful to see him come through. Any young golfer growing up wants to win The Open – it's like the Olympics for athletes or the Tour de France for cyclists. Winning was the stuff of dreams.'Looking ahead to The Open this year Shane is in great form. When you switch on the television on a Sunday evening during a major, he is usually in the top three or four.'I wouldn't read too much into his performance at the PGA Championship (he missed the cut at Quail Hollow), it's a course he doesn't particularly like. Royal Portrush is much more suited to him.'