How Shane broke England’s Rock

SHANE LOWRY may be delay-ing a decision on whether to immediately turn professional, but the temptation may well prove irresistible.

Lowry, a 22 year-old amateur from the Esker Hills near Tullamore, yesterday dramatically prevailed in his first appearance in a professional tournament after three play-off holes, even though much of the pressure had been removed from the shoulders of his rival, 32 year-old Englishman Robert Rock, who was guaranteed the first prize of €500,000 no matter what happened.

As they battled their way through atrocious conditions over three agonising play-off holes, Lowry couldn’t help commenting to his caddie and close friend David Reynolds: “He has the money, would he ever just miss?”