To argue that Shane Lowry battled the odds in order to win the British Open would be an understatement. It wasn’t simply that he carried the hope of Ireland in the major tournament’s return to the country for the first time since 1968 and just the second time ever. It was that his performances in Grand Slam events had been spotty at best, and that his most memorable turn ended up in disappointment. He held a four-stroke lead heading into the final round of the 2016 United States Open, only to sputter with a 76 and finish a bridesmaid.
Not surprisingly, local habitues of the sport saw fit to root for compatriots with superior resumes. As things turned out, though, Royal Portrush claimed their champions one by one, and until only Lowry was left to keep their cause alive. Rory McIlroy, whose near-lifelong love affair with the course and sharp play in recent memory made him a natural favorite, all but bowed out on the very first hole of the very first round. Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington likewise failed to make the cut. Graeme McDowell did, but closed with a 77 and in 57th place.
Amid all the tumult and increasing pressure to do well for flag and fans, Lowry held his head high. For all his usual doubts, he wielded his clubs with confidence; tied for the lead at the halfway mark, he then took advantage of benign conditions in the penultimate 18 to build a four-stroke lead. And in the face of brutal weather that pursuers figured would get scores closer, he turned the final round into a red-carpet walk to the podium. He was steady in the pouring rain and swirling winds, and, even as not a single player in the final 12 groups managed to break par, he put up a one-over 72 that reflected his steely nerves and capacity to display his best under pressure.
When the battlesmoke cleared, Lowry found his arms wrapped around with the Claret Jug to widespread cheer. “I can’t believe it’s mine,” he said, the gravity of his accomplishment finally hitting him. “You’re our there trying to win an Open in your own country, and it’s just incredibly difficult.” And he’s right, never mind that he seemed to be in control throughout the last day; at no time in his final round did his lead narrow to less than three strokes. Light made way to dusk, and, in the night, Royal Portrush was at peace with the outcome it carved; home to the British Open once more, it awarded the title of Champion Golfer of the Year to one of its own.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
