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 alittle 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.