Sun shines on Shane

For more than three years, Shane Lowry has looked back on his famous victory in the Irish Open at Baltray with a variety of emotions.

Quite naturally, he was extremely proud that he could beat the cream of European professional golf while still a 22-year-old amateur. On the other hand, the constant reminder of his failure to repeat the achievement as a member of the paid ranks was growing more than a little tiresome.

The emotion in his voice at Vilamoura yesterday after his success in the Portugal Masters graphically demonstrated a combination of elation and relief at ending the barren spell.