Shane Lowry admirably fought for a second round score of 71, amounting to a total of five-over-par 145, and remained optimistic about making it into the weekend at the US Open. He honoured his drive and putting abilities, but seemed less content with his own iron play. He humorously commented that his iron spin wasn’t as high as was perhaps beneficial for this particular tournament. Lowry mulled over the idea of swapping his ball for a more spinning kind in the future, although he joked about the uncertainty of the distance it could then travel.
There has been considerable evolution in tour game bags featuring at major championships. Manufacturers have been making extra efforts to ensure their goods being put to use. For the 124th US Open hosted at Pinehurst, the commemorative staff bags of TaylorMade players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy were quite the stand-out. Presented in tones of green, white, and brown, these bags paid tribute to Pinehurst. Each bag carries subtle nuances within, signifying Pinehurst’s status as the first USGA anchor site and commemorating Pinehurst’s establishment year, 1895. The sundial design above the ball pocket symbolised the resort’s logo. And despite their similar appearances, there was no mix-up between the bags of Scheffler and McIlroy, as McIlroy’s has his customary Labradoodle headcover on his driver for years.
Meanwhile, Pádraig Harrington, who was at Pinehurst at the beginning of the week for his World Golf Hall of Fame induction, was not exempt to participate in the US Open. Hindered by a knee injury, Harrington had opted against trying to qualify.
Rather than translating, he opted for a much-needed family getaway. The 52-year-old from Dublin is now heading to the upcoming US Seniors Open for his second victory. The event is scheduled to take place at Newport Country Club in Rhode Island from June 27th to 30th, where he’ll rejoin his old Walker Cup companion, Jody Fanagan.
Fanagan, who later chose to stick with the family’s funeral business than explore the professional golf sector with Harrington, secured his championship spot after becoming the runner-up to Todd White in the previous year’s US Seniors Amateur Championship.
Maureen Madill, a former pro golfer, has discovered a renewed passion as a golf correspondent for large tournaments. She’s currently covering this week’s US Open for Sirius Radio, allowing viewers to tune in to the latest happenings around the course.
During her on-going commentary on Max Homa’s group, Madill amusingly noted in her distinctive north Antrim accent after Homa’s second round shank: “Remember, always stand to the left!”
In another instance, Sepp Straka mentioned his friend, J.T. noting, “He was with me when I hit my ace at Augusta during the Par 3. Our celebration was a bit more lively this time,” referring to holing out with a 7-iron at the ninth hole of his second round and celebrating with his companion, JT Poston.
This 124th US Open carries special significance for the USGA as it’s their 1,000th championship – inclusive of both men’s and women’s golf, spanning from amateur to professional levels, organized by the governing body for golf in North America.