View
comments
With a rousing ovation and an anti-climactic run of pars the longest uncontested reign of an Open champion since the war came to an end.
Shane Lowry soaked it all up as he came down the eighteenth, just as he had done two years ago in Portrush, under very different circumstances.
This time there was sunshine in place of the lashing wind and rain of Northern Ireland, and the reception was generous rather than ecstatic. He was coming in at a highly respectable six under and just outside the top ten.
Having reached the turn in 33 there remained the chance of an unlikely repeat. The ultimately fizzled challenge could not dampen his demeanour as he prepared to hand back the Claret Jug after an improbably long period of possession.
“I really enjoyed the whole week, it was an amazing experience,” said the Irishman. “ Walking down the last hole today was one of the coolest things you'll ever get to do, and I got to do it.
“I suppose I was a bit edgy the first day, but you kind of get that the week of big
