Shane Lowry says he is hopeful of being in the mix at Troon on Sunday
By Mark Crellin
Last Updated: 13/07/16 8:09pm
Shane Lowry says that, despite his late slump at the US Open, he will take a lot of confidence from his tie for second place at Oakmont.
And the Irishman is confident that he can put himself in contention for a major title again in the future, possibly even this week in The Open at Troon.
Lowry played superbly for his first three rounds at the US Open and led by four shots entering the final day.
However, he then endured a disappointing final round, carding a 76 and finishing three shots behind Dustin Johnson.
However, when he faced the media on the eve of The Open, Lowry says there are plenty of positives to take from his Oakmont experience.
"It's given me quite a bit of confidence," said Lowry. "I've played 54 holes of the best golf of my life, and I played okay for the next nine.
"Then, just the back nine on Sunday, I let it slip a little bit.
"But, for three-and-a-half rounds, I was leading one of the biggest tournaments in the world. So it can give you a bit of confidence going forward into this week."
Lowry did admit that it had taken him a few days to get over the disappointment of not converting his winning opportunity, adding: "The first few days afterwards were not easy.
"I was obviously quite disappointed, and I'm not going to lie, there was a few moments where there might have been a tear shed or two. That's just the way it is, that's the game we play.
"I know I'll be back there, I know I'll give myself a chance again. It's just up to me to learn from the mistakes of that Sunday afternoon and bring that into the next one."
Lowry's best finish at The Open is a tie for ninth in 2014 but he is quietly confident he can improve on that this week if his putter behaves.
"I think if I hole a few putts this week, I do think I can stand there on Sunday," he said. "Hopefully on the 18th green, lifting the trophy.
"I think the greens are lovely here this week, there are going to be quite a few people holing putts. If I can hole a few putts, I do think I can do well here.
"Without sounding too cocky, I like the big-time play. I like the big tournaments, I love playing in front of the big crowds.
"Obviously I had a good win last year (WGC-Bridgestone) and I've been up there in a few majors here and there. There's no greater buzz in the world, it's what I go out and play golf for.
"I just hope I'm there on Saturday afternoon with a chance, with 36 holes to go, and we'll see after that."
Lowry is in a group with Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose for the first two rounds and added: "It's where you want to be in the world of golf, playing with the best players in the world and trying to compete."
