‘Freewheeling’ approach working for Shane Lowry

Shane Lowry is so superstitious he’d carry a horseshoe in his bag if his caddie would let him. But unlike Pádraig Harrington, he dare not tempt fate and look to closely under the bonnet to discover just why his engine is purring so sweetly this year.

He’s riding the wave, on a roll, enjoying a hot hand and while good putting has pumped confidence into his game, he attributes his rise from 90th to 35th in the world this year to attitude. That he will be without caddie Brian Martin for next week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open — the man who’s emphasised staying loose and enjoying the game as the key to unlocking his best golf — his only fear for Lahinch is the chance of Atlantic squalls and his own high hopes.