Shane Lowry wins Open championship with dominant performance at Portrush

Ibrahim Mustapha
Updated

Ireland’s Shane Lowry has cruised to a six-shot victory at Portrush to win the Open Championship at Portrush.

On a rainy afternoon, Lowry shot a final round 72 to finish 15 under par, keeping the chasing pack at arms’ length.

Tommy Fleetwood finished second at 9 under but barely troubled Lowry as he claimed his first major.

A sensational third round 63 put Lowry in pole position as he began the final day four shots ahead.

With the support of the crowd, things didn’t quite go to plan after a bogey on the first hole but the Irishman held his nerve to build a six shot lead.

A slight wobble cut his advantage back down to four at the end of the front nine but any slim hopes of a Fleetwood comeback were dashed when the Englishman dropped two shots on the 14th, giving Lowry breathing room.

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A birdie on the following hole brought the Claret Jug within his sights and with three par putts to finish, Lowry sealed the Championship.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Lowry described the rush he felt upon realising his victory.

“It's like an out of body experience! I was so calm coming down the last, I cannot believe it.

“The weather was awful but I had a look around, and everyone was struggling. It became a two horse race with Tommy, and I just tried to focus on staying ahead."

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