Shane Lowry and JB Holmes look a bit alike – well-built, not gym rats for sure, both bearded and not the sort to be seen in the ubiquitous Ultramarine blues or designer splatter shirts being worn by their contemporaries at the 148th Open at Royal Portrush.
He quite properly got a heroes’ welcome for a heroic effort when he came up the 18th as the clock ticked past 8pm. But there was to be no happy ending to the saga for Rory McIlroy at Royal Portrush.
It’s been an astonishing 27 years since an Englishman won the Claret Jug, since (Sir) Nick Faldo thanked the press from the heart of his bottom at Muirfield in 1992.
Robert MacIntyre may be a rookie on the top tours and in his first Open but he knows the proper protocol and wasn’t afraid to call out American Kyle Stanley at Royal Portrush.
Tiger Woods promised much on the second day of the 148th Open Championship but in the end delivered only a one-under-par 70 in only his 12th round since his Masters victory.
Day three of the 148th Open Championship in Royal Portrush, with The Courier’s Steve Scott providing live updates.
Royal Portrush wanted glory and Rory, it got just rain and pain. But the opening day of the 148th Open did provide a foundation for what could be a championship worthy of the setting on its return to Northern Ireland.
Russell Knox had his worst possible day on Tuesday and left Royal Portrush bereft that he’d lost his swing just two days before the Open Championship.
David Duval felt that “if things fell in line” he could possibly finish with a top 20 at the Open Championship. It didn’t quite work out that way.
Tiger Woods looked supremely uncomfortable from the moment he appeared on the first tee at Royal Portrush. He never looks entirely comfortable standing at the interview zone either, but it was physical irritation that most concerned him yesterday.
