SHANE ADMITS TO BIT OF RORY ENVY

SHANE Lowry insists Irish Open crowds are special and unique but admits he has no answer to the annual question about where in the calendar the tournament belongs.

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

Massive galleries turned out all week at the K Club to watch Rory McIlroy claim a spectacular victory.

Lowry, the 2009 winner, admitted he was a "little jealous" of his friend.

"No tournaments are like this," said the Clara man. "The crowds here are just incredible and the Irish people come out and support.

"I was talking to one Scottish golfer and he was saying how amazing it is to see the support all the Irish players get this week. You know, even the younger lads.

"So, yeah, it's been a great week in that regard. Obviously, I would have liked to finish better.

"Look, it is nice and I was actually talking to Wendy (wife) about that.

"She was asking me, 'how does it feel walking around like that' because I said to her, like walking from green to tee and they're shouting at you.