Lowry turns it round to stay in major hunt

WHEN he drove into a bush at the second and took a penalty drop on the way to a double bogey six, Shane Lowry began to wonder if he could even break 80 in yesterday’s second round of the Open Championship at St Andrews, let alone finish among the top 30 by the end of proceedings.

Commendably, the 22-year-old Offaly man buckled down to his task and demonstrated his increasing maturity in getting round in 73 for a three under par total of 141 which will leave him far better placed than he could possibly have hoped for when the second round is completed this morning.

One of the most impressive aspects of Lowry’s gradual but steady progress in the professional game has been the easy, friendly way he carries himself with friend and stranger alike. Certainly, no media question or request is too much while the St Andrew’s galleries have really taken to him. All the indications are that he will depart his first major championship with another substantial cheque and with his confidence growing all the time.