How Portrush came in from cold to stage a real winner McDowell’s pride as his home course and Lowry produce a happy ending
Stars and gripes for Americans
THE USA’s Open challenge turned into a damp squib as Brooks Koepka and JB Holmes had a bust-up.
American golfers have won the first three Majors of this season and nine of the past 10.
But a charge from the likes of Koepka, Holmes and Rickie Fowler did not materialise. Koepka has was emotional at times this week.
“Thursday morning on the first tee was very emotional. I’m really proud at all levels. I’m proud of Portrush, proud of Northern Ireland and proud of Ireland. Ireland is pretty proud with Shane Lowry.
“We knew this was going to be a special Open. To have an Irishman at the top of the leaderboard is extra special. It could have been me, Darren or Rory, but just having an Irishman makes it another notch more special.”
McDowell, who fought to qualify for his home Open, added: “The thing I’m most proud of is the atmosphere the crowds created.
“The crowds have treated us amazingly this week. North or south of the border, it doesn’t matter. It’s been an amazing welcome.
“I’ve had several comments from players about Rory coming in on Friday night. It was like a Ryder Cup, like he won four Majors since 2017. But he became frustrated by his compatriot’s slow play and tapped his watch in Holmes’ direction on the 17th hole to make it clear he was unimpressed.
Koepka started the final round at nine under par, seven shots behind Shane Lowry. But his challenge was over when he bogeyed was leading. And then obviously Shane coming up the last. Saturday was probably one of the happiest days I’ve had on a golf course outside of a Ryder Cup.
“There were tens of thousands of people out there cheering me on in the third group.
“I’m proud of the atmosphere, and that people have been as proud to go out there and behave well and support all the players well, and treat everyone like one of their own. That’s the way the Irish are. They’re welcoming people.”
The Dunluce Links attracted equal praise. Asked where he the first three holes and he finished in a tie for fourth.
It was an even worse day for Holmes. He started the final round on 10 under but slid down the leaderboard with a shambolic round of 87 – 16 over par.
Fowler had little to smile about either as he signed for a disappointing 74. The happiest American was Tony Finau, who put together a solid level-par 71 to secure a tie for third – and his best finish at a Major.
He said: “We had the worst conditions, but Royal Portrush is a special place. I’m proud because it was tough out there.” rated Royal Portrush against other Open venues, Paul Casey said: “Top couple. The crowds and the course were just fantastic.”
Tom Lewis added: “It has been excellent and lived up to all expectations. We’re golfers and we like to complain about anything but I haven’t heard a bad word.” McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, said: “They just love the golf course. They feel like it’s the best links they’ve ever seen.
“It’s got length, it’s got short. It’s got quirkiness in