Lowry: It’s my Duty to get home
SHANE DESPERATE TO PLAY IN FRONT OF IRISH FANS
SHANE LOWRY still hopes to play in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open if it’s fixed for the week after the US Open.
The postponement of the Ryder Cup until 2021 leaves the end of September free for the Irish Open that had been scheduled to take place in May at Mount Juliet.
Lowry is keen to tee it up as the reigning British Open champion in front of his home fans. But he acknowledges that it is up to the Irish government to determine if he and some of the world’s top players can compete, based on quarantining measures.
“I would 100 per cent play a rescheduled Irish Open if the government restrictions allow for it,” said the Offaly man.
“If there is an Irish Open and I’m allowed play, I’ll definitely play.
“The Irish government will have to judge whether public opinion will allow for international golfers arriving, playing and departing given how well the Irish public has done to contain the spread of the pandemic over the last few months.
“I was planning to come home for a couple of weeks after the US Open anyway, if the quarantine restrictions allow.
“Obviously if players have to quarantine in the US first and then Ireland when they arrive, it’s not going to be very practical for many.
“But if everything gets the green light, I’d love to be teeing off as the reigning Open champion on home soil.”
Following two missed cuts after golf ’s resumption, Lowry has found his feet again this week in the Workday Charity Open.
He shot a first round 69 and was two under par after eight holes yesterday to leave him in a tie for 14th.
“I’m down the Fedex Cup rankings and really want to get into those play-off places,” said Lowry in his Paddy Power News column.
“It has been a long few months.”
Graeme Mcdowell (inset) trails leader Collin Morikawa by ten shots after the American finished yesterday on 13 under.