SHANE IS ALL SET TO DRIVE ON NOW

SHANE LOWRY looked back this week on his 2009 Irish Open victory as an amateur with dismay.

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

Now 38, the Clara man is leading the home challenge in the 2025 renewal after staging a spirited first round comeback at the K Club.

Lowry set off in pretty ideal conditions yesterday morning, sandwiched in between the Padraig Harrington and Rory Mcllroy groups.

Overnight rain had softened the course and, though a little chilly, the wind wasn't a factor. The prestigious Straffan track was there for the taking but it didn't happen for the local hero early on.

With his new driver in the bag, perhaps subconsciously he played a little within himself.