Shane Lowry: ‘Maybe I wanted it a bit too much today. Hopefully I can relax a bit more tomorrow’
DISAPPOINTED: Ireland’s Shane Lowry and Canada’s Nick Taylor leave the course as play is suspended. Picture: ©INPHO/James Crombie
Shane Lowry wants it so much. That could be the problem. The Irish golfer was left bitterly disappointed after he shot level par 71 at Le Golf National in the opening round of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Lowry was one-under as he headed for the 18th only for a weather delay to force him indoors. He eventually remerged and closed out with a bogey to head for the clubhouse severely frustrated.
“It doesn’t take a genius to work that out,” Lowry said of his form. “I gave myself a lot of chances in the middle of the round. Didn't convert them and then finished like that. I feel like it is probably the worst score I could have shot which is very frustrating.
“A couple of bad swings toward the end at the really wrong time but it is what it is. A long way to go and this golf course, yes, the scoring was low but you know, it is not easy in parts. It showed, a couple of bad swings at the wrong time. You never know what can happen but there is also a score out there.”
Japan's Hideki Matsuyama carded a bogey-free 63 to lead the table. A typically challenging course was weakened by rain and thunderstorms overnight.
In a group that included three of the top four ranked players in the world, Rory McIlroy fired a three-under to stay in contention for a medal. His round was mixed. It included five birdies and a terrific eagle at the ninth but also four dropped shots with a three-putt bogey at the last.
Ludvig Aberg matched McIlroy’s 68 while American Scottie Scheffler scored four-under. Defending gold medallist Xander Schauffele is two shots back from the top as a gripping podium race looms.
The atmosphere on Thursday from the start was boisterous. It wasn’t quite to Ryder Cup levels, which this venue hosted in 2018, but it was noticeably distinct from typical golf tournaments. McIlroy estimated about 25% were a ‘casual crowd’. He welcomes that. It is what the sport needs.
“Unbelievable. It was very surprising with so many events going on,” McIlroy said of the attendance. “It is spread all across the city. For people to venture out here and watch us play, it was really cool atmosphere to play in.”
For Lowry, that meant an almighty roar when he emerged on the first tee. Swathes of green, white and gold covered the natural amphitheatre, although in the case of one young fan marching beside the fairway, it was Bride Rovers colours rather than Offaly.
“There were a lot of Irish people out there which for me was pretty cool,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting that. I was expecting a little bit but the cheer on the first tee was pretty cool and it felt like I was at home. It was nearly off-putting a little bit.
"It was like oh wow, I wasn’t expecting that. I got goose bumps and I hit a really bad tee shot. I’m not blaming them,” he said with a smile. “It was my fault. It was incredible out there.”
Both of the Team Ireland golfers are two-time Olympians. This one is different.
“Tokyo just felt like a normal event during COVID,” said Lowry.
“No crowds, in the hotel, you weren't allowed to move anywhere or go anywhere. Here, the buzz around the place, even the hotel we are staying in. There are other teams and cyclists in there. Being around the whole thing obviously I had an amazing experience last Friday getting to do what I did. In the camp for 24 hours there was a day that I'll never really forget.”
All of that is why his mind has already considered 2028: “Part of me out there today, obviously I want to play well here, but I really need to make sure I am in LA as well. You start to think this tournament feels like a huge tournament there. I think it is on the way to getting the credit it deserves.”
They have sampled every element of the games. McIlroy made time this week to get to Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz’s defeat in the men’s doubles against American fourth seeds Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram. He also hailed Daniel Wiffen’s 800m freestyle gold medal performance earlier this week.
Lowry was privileged to be there. It enhanced what has already been an incredible experience.
“It is great. I was only in and around the camp for a little bit. It is great to meet everyone and see what everyone goes through to compete at this level. Very fortunate to be there to watch Daniel Wiffen win a gold medal the other night.
“You know, there are not many Irish people that have been there standing and watching Amhrán na bhFiann at the Olympic games. So that was a pretty cool moment for me. Look I really want to add to the tally of medals for my country, but I have a long way to go to do that. Maybe I wanted it a bit too much today. Hopefully I can relax a bit more tomorrow and shoot a better score.”
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