Golf

Shane Lowry looking to bounce back from US Open disappointment at Troon

Shane Lowry during a press conference at Royal Troon Golf Club
Shane Lowry during a press conference at Royal Troon Golf Club Shane Lowry during a press conference at Royal Troon Golf Club

SHANE Lowry is convinced he can challenge for the Open title after overcoming his US Open heartache.

The Irishman surrendered a four-shot lead going into the final round at Oakmont last month to finish in a tie for second, three behind winner Dustin Johnson.

Lowry admitted the near miss did affect him for a few days, but he is determined to take the positives from challenging in a major as he prepares for this week's championship at Royal Troon.

The world number 27 said: "The first few days - the Monday, Tuesday afterwards - was not easy. I was obviously quite disappointed and I'm not going to lie, there were a few moments where there might have been a tear shed or two. I suppose I was beating myself up for a few days after it.

"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 kind of learn from the mistakes of that Sunday afternoon and bring that into the next one.

"For three-and-a-half rounds I was up there and leading in one of the biggest tournaments in the world.

"So it can give you a bit of confidence going forward into this week.

"If you look at it, after the US Open, I was a lot further along in my career than I was the week before, so there are a lot of positives to take from it. I'm well and truly over it."

Here's what the players will face on the opening hole tomorrow

1 day. The par 4 1st hole 'Seal' provides the opening tee shot at @RoyalTroonGC tomorrow. https://t.co/pwZTLvbJrMhttps://t.co/hoKLYSt2B1 — The Open (@TheOpen) July 13, 2016

Lowry hopes he can find his touch on the greens in Scotland this week to put him firmly in contention to win the Claret Jug.

The 29-year-old said: "If I hole a few putts this week, I do think I can stand there on Sunday - hopefully on the 18th green lifting the trophy."

Lowry will play the first two rounds at Troon alongside Jordan Spieth and Justin Rose in a high-profile grouping, teeing off at 9.03am on Thursday.

This is something he is relishing, although he did dig himself into a hole trying to explain that at a press conference.

He said: "I have a really good group tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to that. I can't wait. That's where I want to be, playing with the best players in the world.

"I've been in plenty of s***** groups over the years... with all due respect to the golfers! I don't mean the players I was playing with, I meant the times more so!"