Whenever one observes Shane Lowry at the driving range, he is found making light conversation amid shots, displaying a cheerful countenance befitting a man at peace with himself. This year he is participating in the European sector of the Atlantic for the first time, and is prepping for his unique approach towards the 152nd Open Championship, with a second Claret Jug in sight.
Lowry chose not to participate in the previous week’s Genesis Scottish Open, instead relocating to Hogs Head in Co Kerry with a few friends for an uninterrupted game on the links course. Lowry, who had made a preliminary scouting visit to Troon, described the atmosphere as tranquil with perfect weather and wind conditions that he required.
Such weeks where Majors are on the line, appealing to his competitive spirit and adding a layer of pressure, are exactly the kind he relishes. In his words, the significance of the tournament, the prestige accompanying the Claret Jug, the history attached to the course, contribute to the grand stature of the competition, arguably the world’s biggest.
Although these high-stakes weeks can be tense, Lowry aims to stay composed and perform his best. There can be moments of anxiety and nerves throughout the week, but he is confident that once he takes his first shot on Thursday, he’ll manage just fine and give it his all.
Lowry appreciates the sensation of sea salt in the air and the wind’s gusts. He enjoys the subtleties of links and the unpredictability of their bounces.
Lowry has had an impressive season thus far on the PGA Tour, positioned currently at 13th on the FedEx Cup rankings. His achievements include a victory in the Zurich Classic alongside Rory McIlroy, along with four additional top-10 finishes, inclusive of a joint 6th place in the US PGA.
The state of his game is pleasing at the moment and he’s satisfied with his performance this season. Though, he highlighted that what matters most is the approach towards the imminent week rather than his past accomplishments in the last six months. Optimistically, Lowry plans to step onto the grounds on Thursday with positivity and a keen drive.
In difficult times of the sport evidenced by his scorecards of two 62s and an 85 within two months, Lowry acknowledges the unpredictable nature of golf. He remains aware that periods of success and failure aren’t constant, encouraging a sense of resiliency and the ability to capitalise when performing well.
As for the tournament’s beginning rounds, Lowry is placed in a late/early tee-time spot, engaging in friendly competition with former champions Cameron Smith and Matt Fitzpatrick. His return to the slower greens on this side of the Atlantic requires no amendments, contrary to Tiger Woods who has enlisted additional lead to his putter.
Lowry has observed marked improvement in his greens performance since the Zurich Classic, even though he wasn’t entirely comfortable that week, despite winning. He expressed his confidence with the putter whilst maintaining a hopeful attitude towards significant putt shots in the tournament, which he believes can be his game-changer.
Reflecting on his victory at Royal Portrush five years ago, the now 37-year-old Lowry sees his age as an advantage, citing Pádraig Harrington, who claimed his best years were at age 37. Keeping hold of that sentiment, he remains hopeful for a successful current year.
Once you’ve sampled the fruit of victory, the craving for it only intensifies, that’s the nature of it. I have such a deep desire to claim yet another triumph. Just one more and I’d be content. Is that all I yearn for? Is it overly ambitious to desire such?