Shane Lowry’s Open Prep Sounds Like Every Golfer’s Dream

Ireland and Northern Ireland don’t exactly lack incredible golf. Some of the best tracks in the world are on this 32,000-square-mile island.

Just ask Shane Lowry, who spent the last few weeks preparing for the year’s final major playing the country’s best.

"In the last two weeks, I’ve played Portmarnock, The Island, Baltray, Waterville, Hog’s Head, and Adare Manor,” Lowry told the media on Monday at Royal Portrush. “I’ve played some of the best courses we have in the country.”

He mentioned that this was the first time he’s been in Ireland since Christmas, so the last few weeks have been rejuvenating.

Of course, Lowry enters The Open as the last player to win the Clart Jug at Royal Portrush (2019), so he’s not exactly the defending champion, that honor goes to Xander Schauffele, but he’s the next closest thing to it.

He’s played some great golf this season, with 10 top-25 finishes in 16 starts, and has finally figured out how to play in this tournament. Since missing four straight cuts at The Open (2015-2018), Lowry’s won (2019), tied for 12th (2021), for 21st (2022), missed the cut (2023), and grabbed solo sixth a season ago.

With all eyes yet again on Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, Lowry can once again tee it up at Portrush a little under the radar.

It wouldn’t be at all surprising if he makes another run at the Jug this weekend.