Lowry in Disbelief at Open Win
Newly-crowned Open champion Shane Lowry described his maiden Major win as “an outer-body experience, totally surreal.” The 32-year-old Irishman added: “I cant wait to wake up on Monday and see what this feels like.” After a shaky start, Lowry steadied the ship with three birdies on the front 9, and, with none of his rivals able to make inroads, the 32-year-old effectively clinched the Claret Jug with a birdie at the 15th. On 269 (-15), he beat England’s Tommy Fleetwood by six, Tony Finau (USA) finished 3rd on 277.
Decent Defence for Molinari
2018 winner Francesco Molinari came to the Open hoping for a successful defence of the title he won at Carnoustie. Just making the cut, the Italian shot the score of Rd 4, 66 (-5), finishing on the verge of a top-10. “I’ve enjoyed massively being champion, obviously not what I was hoping for this week.”
Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Irish Fans Shamrock ‘N’ Roll
Legions of fans danced an Irish jig as local hero Shane Lowry won the Open before their very eyes, triggering a night of wild celebrations at the country’s greatest sporting triumph on home soil. Many in tears, they sang, ‘Olé, Olé Olé around the 18th on Sunday as sporting history was made.
Asians Off the Pace
An Asian winner of the Open looks as far off as ever as the class of 2019 failed to make an impact on the last Major of the year. Sang Hyun Park, the pick of the bunch, finished on 282, 2-under-par and a top-20 place, the only Asian under par. Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat shot -4 in Rd 4 finishing T32 on +1.
Courtesy of GolfSupportzNL
Broadcast News
Almost 2,000 TV personnel have been on site at the Open in Northern Ireland, producing stunning images that were beamed worldwide. Close to 200 countries took coverage, half-a-billion homes and over two billion pairs of eyes.
Water, Water Everywhere
Ireland is surrounded by the stuff, Portrush is flanked by it and there’s been lots of water falling from above during the Open. Thanks to an initiative by the R&A to end single-use plastics, players, steel reusable water containers are provided, refilled with clear, fresh, filtered and chilled Irish water.
Sights for Sore Eyes
Since the Open Championship was awarded to Portrush in 2015, Northern Ireland has been waiting for its moment in the sun. While there has been just as much rain as sun this week, stunning images of course and coastline have been beamed around the world. And indications are that the Open will be back before too long.
From Mike Wilson at Royal Portrush
