MAGNOLIA SHANE

Coach insists Lowry has the game to shine at Augusta

- MICHAEL SCULLY

SHANE Lowry’s coach predicts that the World No.12 has the game to conquer Augusta as he reaches the milestone of a 10th Masters appearance.

With The Open returning to Portrush, the scene of his greatest triumph to date, this summer could be an extra-special one for the Clara man.

It starts with the drive up Magnolia Lane and the first \\ Major of the season — an iconic space that Lowry has become comfortable with in recent years having finished in the top 25 in four of the last five years, including a tied-third place in 2022.

After four top-12 finishes worldwide so far this year, including runner-up in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February, the Offaly star is on the verge of breaking into the top 10 in the rankings for the first time.

The consistency the 37-year-old has shown in moving back into the top 50 from the end of 2023 to his current strong position should make him a contender from Thursday on.

“You can definitely get on runs of form when the game feels very difficult and even your best results aren’t what you’d hoped for,” said Manchip.