Shane Lowry has spring in his step ahead of big Irish summer

Ten minutes of talk in a clubhouse car park covers everything from hounds and hurling, football and family, Sunday struggles and major missions. But the Offaly man's mind is more mid-Atlantic than ever.

ROUND TWO: Shane Lowry putts on the 16th green during the second round of the RBC Canadian Open. Pic: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

SHANE Lowry is eager to get back to his rural retreat. An unholy early start for Wednesday's Pro Am at the Canadian Open was, for him, a godsend. He pulled and dragged a quartet of plodders around nine holes in quick time and is about to get out the gap before lunch is even considered, never mind served. But first, he has a story about a dog. Two dogs actually.

“Shane finally caved” revealed Wendy Lowry when the clan welcomed a new member last October. Daughters Iris and Ivy were instantly smitten and played a part in giving the very good boy his name, Paddy. Lovely. Only one small snag — one of dad’s best human friends has the same name. It helps that Paddy Harrington is not the type to get easily offended. But that doesn’t mean he’d let it slide altogether.