With a final-round 72, Shane Lowry claimed a six-shot victory over Tommy Fleetwood at the 2019 Open Championship.
Lowry finished his four rounds up “North” at Royal Portrush on 15-under par to secure his first career major trophy, and second PGA Tour title. The victory earned the 32-year old Republic of Ireland native $1,930,000 and 600 FedExCup points, along with 100 Official World Golf Rankings points.
Afterwards, an emotional Lowry met with the media to discuss his life-changing victory. Here a few pulls from the back and forth.
This week’s 3 Questions for the Winner is powered by The Titleist Store at Amazon.
Walking Down 18
What was it like walking down the 18th hole…
Shane Lowry: “I knew I was home and hosed down 18. I let myself enjoy it and it was incredible walking down 18, they were singing and going mad. I could not believe it was happening to me.
“I spotted my family when I walked around the corner to have a look at the green and I welled up a little bit. I still had to play a decent shot but luckily I did.”
“I still can’t believe it. This is not going to sink in for a few days. Walking down 18 I could not believe this was happening to me. I feel like I am in an out-of-body experience. I was so calm.”
Renewed Career Commitment
Can you talk about the journey of missing the cut last year at Carnoustie to winning the trophy this year?
Shane Lowry: “I sat in the car park in Carnoustie on Thursday, almost a year ago right to this week, and I cried. Golf wasn’t my friend at the time. It was something that had become very stressful, and it was weighing on me and I just didn’t like doing it.
“I suppose I didn’t even know going out this morning if I was good enough to win a major.
“I just went out there and tried to give it my best. And look, I’m here now, a major champion. I can’t believe I’m saying it, to be honest.
“It’s just incredible to be sitting here with a trophy in front of me. Look at the names on it.”
Celebrating With Daughter
How important to have your daughter on hand after winning?
Shane Lowry: “Those pictures are everything. We have one from Abu Dhabi this year, and we’re going to have another one. My wife knew no matter what to have her there waiting for me because if things didn’t go to plan, at least she would have consoled me a little bit.
“To have her there, winning, obviously it’s very special.
“I’m going to be coming back on another 27 Opens to play. She’s going to be nearly 30 when I play my last one. That’s going to be nice.
“Look, I’ll be able to show her, she’ll be able to see those pictures in years to come.”
Credit: PGA Tour Media, Fastscripts, Getty Images
