The orderly bank of volunteer stewards tried to hold back the crowds from the 18th fairway as long as they could – but as Shane Lowry marched to the green, and to Open Championship victory, they could resist no longer. Now, on the approach to the 18th green, it rang out louder still. Large crowds gather around the 18th green (Richard Sellers/PA)It was a remarkable scene to conclude a remarkable four days on the Causeway Coast, when the Open’s historic return to the island of Ireland was sealed with an Irish victory. Some wore them as capes, others as sarongs and some just wrapped them round and round their heads. Among Lowry’s legion of supporters on the course was Jennifer Kelly from Wicklow, whose young son Sean was delighted to secure the new champion’s signature on a replica 18th green flag.

Source: Irish Examiner July 21, 2019 20:03 UTC