Shane Lowry expectations tempered by 'tough conditions' at Irish Open

“Being completely honest, if we had perfect conditions this week, I'd really fancy my chances."

Shane Lowry during the Pro-Am before the Irish Open at Royal County Down Golf Club. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

Conditions may be conspiring against Shane Lowry at Royal County Down this weekend but while the major winner has dismissed his chances of landing the Amgen Irish Open title on Sunday afternoon, it will not stop his desire to win the tournament for the second time in his career.

Lowry would be a strong proponent of the argument that for Irish golfers, their national open is the equivalent of a fifth major championship and nothing would give him greater pleasure than adding to his success as an amateur at County Louth in 2009.