Shane Lowry ready to challenge Rory McIlroy for the Open's Claret jug

“If I finish ahead of him on Sunday then I shouldn’t be far away,” Lowry said with a chuckle on Tuesday.

OPEN CHAMPIONS: Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry on the 3rd tee during a practice round ahead of The Open at the Royal Liverpool. Photo credit: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.

Staying out of Royal Liverpool’s bunkers and a step or two ahead of Rory McIlroy will be Shane Lowry’s mantra this week as he launches his bid for a second Claret Jug.

It is four years since Lowry reached the pinnacle and became Open champion at Royal Portrush on a golden Sunday evening when the stars aligned for the Irish hero on the Antrim coast.