History was set on the east coast of Ireland at Baltray Golf Club this past Sunday. A 22–year-old Irish amateur battled his way into history by winning the Irish Open Championship.
Shane Lowry is just the sixth Irishman to win his own national open, joining Fred Daly, Harry Bradshaw, Christy O’Connor, Jr., John O’Leary, and Paddy Harrington in taking home championship honors.
What is so tremendous about this win is that he had to turn down prize money of more than €500,000 ($688,000) in order to maintain his amateur status and perhaps play on the Walker Cup.
Let me set the scene for you of the last day of the championship: It was a typical day in Ireland—that is, the winds were howling, rain lashing down, and temperatures holding steady at 50 degrees. Weather aside, most of Ireland was there in support of this young man—even the prime minister was on hand.
Lowry was born in County Offaly and is the son of a famous Gaelic footballer. Perhaps that is why he prevailed against a world-class field under horrendous playing conditions. He’s a scrapper! Further, he outplayed Baltray on the second day, carding a scorching 62.
Now let me tell you, I have played this course many times. There is no way in my wildest dreams could I ever see anyone shooting that number in good weather, never mind wind and rain. If you don’t believe me, go visit Dermot at Jake O’Connors pub in Excelsior. He’s a member of Baltray and a very good golfer in his own right.
This new breed of Irish golfers are ready to step out on the world stage and take their place in history! First wee Rory and now Shane Lowry.
It’s good to be Irish!
—Gerald McCullagh
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