In-form Lowry snaps up US Open spot

FORMER Irish Open champion Shane Lowry comfortably made it through the 36-hole qualifier for the US Open at Walton Heath yesterday.

Lowry, who finished fourth in the BMW PGA at Wentworth on Sunday, was in terrific form again, finishing on eight under after rounds of 69 and 67. The 24-year-old is making a habit of shining in qualifying events. He shot 62 at Sunningdale last year to earn a place in the British Open at St Andrews.

There were only 11 qualifying spots on offer for the 82-strong field. Colin Montgomerie failed to qualify for a return to Congressional – the course where he was runner-up to Ernie Els in 1997.