Plenty of positives for ninth-placed Lowry at US Open

Shane Lowry left Chambers Bay on Sunday night with a US Open top-10 finish and the confidence he has the game and temperament to contend at the highest level.

Lowry, 28, finished in a tie for ninth on level par alongside Rory McIlroy and Jason Day, the world numbers one and 10 respectively, five shots behind new champion Jordan Spieth following a closing one-over-par 71 comprising five birdies and six bogeys.

One of those bogeys came at the last for a disappointing end to an impressive week for the Irishman who started the final round three off the pace and with a genuine shot at carving out his first major championship victory.