The Open 2019: Shane Lowry determined to make amends for US Open collapse after spectacular 63
The Irishman hit a record-breaking score to move into a four-shot lead – but he has squandered such an advantage before
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.After a spectacular course record 63 propelled Shane Lowry into a four-shot lead in The Open Championship, the still giddy and disbelieving Irishman promised to make amends for blowing the same advantage at the US Open three years ago.
After leading the field at Oakmont, a streak of bogeys down the stretch saw Lowry slip to a 76 and squander victory to Dustin Johnson. However, the 32-year-old’s stunning eight-under-par round on a still day at Royal Portrush had an altogether different feel as he revelled in a raucous atmosphere and birdied three of the last four holes to take another imposing lead into the final round.
“I learned a lot about myself at Oakmont,” Lowry said. “I’m going to learn a lot about myself tomorrow. I feel like, obviously, look, tomorrow is a huge day in my career. I think I learned a few things that day about playing in the final round of a major with a lead, that you need to just hang in until the very last minute. I feel like I’m a different person. I don’t think I’m a much different golfer, but I feel like I’m a different person now. I think that’s what will help me tomorrow.”
Lowry was cheered on by an overwhelming display of partisan support, who continued to chant his name long after he had left the 18th green as the rain started to pour outside.
“Honestly, that’s the most incredible day I’ve ever had on the golf course,” he continued. ”I honestly can’t explain what it was like. I suppose the only way I can describe it is, I’m not sure, but hopefully tomorrow, I said to Bo [his caddie] walking off the 17th tee, we might never have a day like this on the golf course again, so let’s enjoy this next half hour. You know what I mean? And that’s what I did. The crowd was incredible. I just can’t believe what it was like.”
A forecast of torrential rain and howling gales is forecast for tomorrow, leading tee-times to be moved an hour earlier which throws an air of unpredictability at Lowry’s advantage.
“I know there’s some bad weather coming in,” he said. “I know it’s going to rain. I know it’s going to be difficult at times and I have to just try and shoot the best score I can.
“I’m in a good position and I just have to do what I’ve been doing all year and hit the reset button tonight and go out there and shoot as good a score as I can tomorrow.”
Fleetwood is Lowry’s nearest challenger, sitting four shots back on 12-under-par after a faultless 66 that might on any other given day have put him in the ascendancy. JB Holmes lies a further two shots back, while Brooks Koepka and Justin Rose are perched on nine-under-par.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments