Shane Lowry’s quest for a second Claret Jug remains very much alive as he followed up an opening 66 with a round of 69 that showcased his resilience for a midway total of seven-under-par that moved him into the clubhouse lead in this 152nd Open Championship at a windswept Royal Troon links. Lowry was in great form as he spoke to the media after his round.
A double-bogey six on the notoriously difficult par 4 11th threatened to derail Lowry but he brilliantly stuck to his task and finished with a 20-foot birdie on the 18th which had him deservedly raising a clenched fist to the skies.
The manner of his recovery from that double-bogey on the 11th was hugely impressive, while also being disturbed by a photographer as he played his second shot.
A closer look at what happened to Shane Lowry on the 11th hole 🔎 pic.twitter.com/UXViZ7krPR
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) July 19, 2024
He regained his composure, splitting fairway after fairway and the reward for Lowry’s composed response was delivered with two birdies in his closing three holes.
SEE ALSO: Tense Moment Between Shane Lowry And Cameraman After Shot Goes Awry
The Offaly man finished the round with a brilliant long putt on 18, he described the feeling walking down the last:
It doesn't get any better than this, this is what it's about and I really wanted to hole that putt. To be honest I was fortunate I got a really good read from Cam (Smith).
A birdie on the 18th to record a 69 and become the leader in the clubhouse. pic.twitter.com/6BqhWAmpEr
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 19, 2024
Lowry's hilarious post round one-liner
Speaking to Sky Sports after his round, Lowry summed up his excitement heading into the weekend:
This is what we play for, this is the reason you get up in the morning and this is the reason I go to work. This is what I love and this is what I live for and I'm very excited for the weekend.
"This is the reason I go to work" 🙌
Shane Lowry, current leader of The Open, motivated going into the weekend 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/TXTYdhdjSG— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) July 19, 2024
He's two clear as things stand and with conditions continuing to worsen for players out on the course at the moment, that's a healthy lead going into the weekend.
Lowry had a brilliant response in his post round press conference when asked about the pressure he would face as the front-runner heading into the weekend:
I wouldn't say I'm a good runner.
Lowry's sense of humour is as sharp as his golf so far this week, the hunt for a second claret jug is well and truly on.
