Former Irish Open champion Shane Lowry has spoken to OTB about his current form, playing on the US Tour and England’s victory against Colombia in the World Cup.
The Offaly golfer expects a tough test on the Ballyliffin course over the next four days.
"This course is difficult because of how firm it is. I’d like to have played a few more times than a round and a half. I’m just thinking about my target and putting a good swing on it. I’m not alarmed. Golf is volatile," he said.
"If I’m sitting here Monday morning with the Irish Open, people forgot about the last two years. It’s just not good enough to do what I want to do. 90th in the world at the minute is not too bad.
"I love what I do, I love the game of golf. I’d love to be winning every week. I’ve been guilty over the years of trying too hard and it does get in your way of the golf. I would give anything to be in contention on Sunday here. It’s easier said than done. I’m one of the most competitive people in the world. I’m such a bad loser.
"A lot of guys try to hit the ball too hard and lose their ball. When you have a shot you need to try and use that wisely and that’s what amateurs do.
"My iron play is very good and I’m happy with how I putted last week and the greens are beautiful here. I’m playing way more golf now than I’ve ever done. I haven't had an awful lot of time off all year where I can go to the range.
"I have to make sure I keep my card. We really want to be there next year. I’ve five tournaments left. I’m in no man's land on both. I’m gonna play as hard and as good as I can for the next six weeks and then I’ll reassess where I’m going and what the future holds for me."
Like Rory McIlroy, Lowry is keeping a close eye on the FIFA World Cup.
"I’ve been watching the World Cup. I’m with them to a certain point where I’d like to see them get to the semi final I’m not sure I could risk them getting to the final. I just don’t know if I could listen to them if they win," he said.
"I would like the players to do well but everything that comes with it I’m not sure. They’re their own worst enemies. I would have felt so bad for Jordan Henderson imagine what the papers would have done to him this morning."
Stephen Kierans
