Golf is difficult. You learn that on day one.
Last week, golf viewers found out why that lesson is always applicable, even at the highest level of the game. Shane Lowry's 'outburst' when chunking a shot into the water at the Honda Classic was a genuine human moment in one of the most mentally taxing sports.
We all saw it, we all laughed, we all shared it.
But Lowry was hit with a wall of abuse for his actions online from some people that didn't appreciate his "f-bomb".
Lowry has come out strongly in response to any criticism, claiming that while he isn't condoning bad language he isn't going to change.
Yes, I used some bad language, and I’m not going to condone that, but nobody got hurt. I’m a guy who wears his emotions on his sleeve; it’s a part of who I am and how I play the game.
Lowry was also hit with a fine and a sit-down meeting with the PGA Tour warning him about his actions, and how it makes them look. It all seems a bit over the top, and it's hard not to argee with Lowry's perspective:
They told me about the brand and the image of the PGA Tour and what they’re trying to protect and I can see their point. They said it was not great for them.
I did say to them I would try and not to let it happen again. I said I can’t promise anything because that is just the person I am. I didn’t harm anyone. I didn’t kill anyone.
It's hard to know what to make of it all, but it's good to hear that the legend that is Shane Lowry won't be tamed like that.
