Shane Lowry pushes back on stereotype ahead of The Open

Shane Lowry pushed back on the stereotype that he's a 'big partier and drinker' ahead of the final men's major of the year. 

The Irishman, 38, returns to Royal Portrush this week as a former champion golfer of the year having sealed an emotional six-shot victory on home soil six years ago. 

Lowry's win sparked raucous scenes and it was no surprise to hear the Irishman enjoyed celebrating with a few pints of the black stuff. 

Several videos exist on the Internet of the immediate aftermath of Lowry's triumph and he was reminded of this by one reporter in his news conference ahead of this week's Open. 

"Interesting first question isn't it?" Lowry said with a smile. "I'm here to talk about golf and all anyone wants to talk about his drinking."

Another reporter later asked: "There does seem to be this narrative out there that you're this big drinker and big partier, are you kind of over it?"

"Look, I'll let people believe what they want to believe and I kind of do my own thing," came the reply. 

"The people close to me know what I'm like. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy it from time to time, but I know when I need to put my head down and work. I know when I need to do that.

"You can't be at the top level of any sport if you're not applying yourself well, and I feel like I do it."

Lowry pinpoints reason for poor major performances in 2025

Lowry's performances in the majors this year have no doubt frustrated the former Open winner. 

A disastrous final round of 81 scuppered any slim chances of winning The Masters in April and he missed cuts at both the PGA Championship and US Open. 

Lowry said he prides himself not missing the weekend at the big events but he feels there is a clear reason why things haven't gone to plan in 2025.

"I played too much golf," he said. "[I played] nine of 11 weeks leading into the US Open and that got the better of me. That's my own fault. I've had a couple of weeks to take a step back and I do feel ready."

Lowry was referring to the fact he decided to skip last week's Scottish Open.  

Instead, he played at Portmarnock, The Island, Baltray, Waterville, Old Head and Adare Manor. 

"It's been an amazing couple of weeks," he said. "I haven't been home to Ireland since Christmas, so it's nice to be back home and I feel a bit rejuvenated and ready to go again."

"I'm a better player"

Lowry said he feels prepared for this week's Open and he realises that his previous victory doesn't give him any 'God-given right to do anything special this week'. 

But he claimed: "I'm a better golfer now than I was in 2019. It's just that golf doesn't always give you the results to prove it. You have to be patient.

"I've prepared as well as I can for this tournament. I know I have. Then it's just up to me to stay out of my own way on Thursday morning and go and get after it and see what happens."

The 153rd Open Championship begins on Thursday. 

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