Portrush goes wild for Lowry
Irishman holds lead heading into final round
PORTRUSH, NORTHERN IRELAND >> They chanted his name, they rose as one for a standing ovation and long after Shane Lowry had departed the 18th green to sign for a course-record 63, the crowd were still following him across the course, singing and celebrating with abandon.
The Irishman, who produced a round of impeccable precision, has a four-shot lead over Tommy Fleetwood going into today’s final round.
The first British Open in Northern Ireland in 68 years could end with an Irish triumph and goodness knows how the capacity crowd will respond if Lowry holds firm and secures his first major win.
“Honestly, that’s the most incredible day I’ve ever had on the golf course. I honestly can’t explain what it was like,” said Lowry.
“I said to (caddie) Bo (Martin) walking off the 17th tee: ‘We might never have a day like this on the golf course again. So let’s enjoy this next half hour.’ You know what I mean? And that’s what I did. The crowd was incredible. I just can’t believe what it was like.”
There was electricity accompanying Lowry on each hole — but it was also noticeable that two of his closest rivals, the English pair of Fleetwood and Lee Westwood playing a hole behind, also enjoyed warm support and appreciation from the crowd.
This is a crowd that is knowledgeable about the game and the challenges of this beautiful links course and they were treated to some outstanding all-round golf from the near-flawless Lowry.
He was honest enough to concede that he — and the chasing pack — had been helped by the late afternoon and early evening stillness.