Lowry feeling at home among elite

SHANE LOWRY begins his first major championship in the United States today finally beginning to feel at home amongst the best players in the world.

Fifteen months on from his shock 3 Irish Open victory as an amateur at Baltray, and after a shaky start to life as a professional following it, the Offaly 22-year-old is starting to reap the benefits of a maturation process that has produced a stronger work ethic and more consistent golf on the European Tour.

Now comes the next stage as Lowry tees off today in his USPGA Championship debut at Whistling Straits.