A pre-Open Championship pep talk from coach Neil Manchip propelled a previously uneasy Lowrytowards his lowest opening round in a major and the business end of the leaderboard on a rollercoaster first day at Royal Portrush. But what would Rory McIlroy have given for Lowry’s 67 at The 148th Open? Yet his career-low majors opening round, eclipsing five first-round 68s since 2010, had needed to be coaxed out of him by coach Manchip. “I don’t feel like practice went unbelievably well this week,” Lowry, ranked 33 in the world, said. The crowds are unbelievable and cheered on every tee box, and every green is such a special feeling.

Source: Irish Examiner July 19, 2019 04:41 UTC