Reality check for Lowry on Tour debut

YESTERDAY’S six over 78 on his professional debut in the opening round of the European Open at the London Club means Shane Lowry has little chance of surviving the cut.

He stands 147th of the 155 strong field and discovered life as a professional golfer was likely to be a lot different to what he had become accustomed during his relatively comfortable life as an amateur. However, he was quickly reassured by playing partner Paul McGinley, who told him he had nothing to worry about and he had the game to prosper in the paid ranks.

The shock winner of the 3 Irish Open was struggling from the time he missed the green with his 117 yard approach to the first green, having split the fairway with a cracking drive. He didn’t commit himself to the shot and it was a failing that was to cost him more and more as the day went on.