It is 10-years since a then very unheralded Shane Lowry gladly gave-up a Euro 1/2m victory pay-out in capturing the 2009 Irish Open at Baltray.
Lowry defied everyone, except an overwhelming rain-drenched partisan home crowd, in historically becoming the first amateur to land the Irish Open trophy at his very first attempt.
Being an amateur, the then 22-year old had to forfeit the whopping first prize cheque though there was the luxury, and when he turned pro a fortnight later, of a two-and-a-year European Tour exemption.
Now a decade on, and with close to Euro 13m in career earnings on the European Tour alone, Lowry heads the Irish challenge into this week’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at Lahinch.
Ten years ago and Shane Lowry creates Irish Open history becoming the first amateur to win the title.
History also beckons for the Offlay golfer as he seeks to become the first in the history of the event since first held in 1927 to win as both an amateur and as a professional, and given also he’s proudly still the only amateur to lift the trophy.
“The first Irish Open I remember was Sergio Garcia’s win at Druids Glen in 1999, and then the first Irish Open I attended was when I went to Portmarnock in 2005, when Michael Campbell won,” Lowry recalled in his PaddyPower column.
“Then I was lucky enough to win it 10 years ago at Baltray as an amateur and the win really kick-started my career.
“It’s why the Irish Open is definitely my fifth Major and that is how I prepare for it like I would for the other four.
“I enjoy playing in front of the home crowds. Even though it can bring its own difficulties, it’s great to have family and friends there close by.
“I didn’t really set myself goals at the start of the season, but obviously to win the tournament again would go without saying.”
And while he’s been back home of late, Lowry’s been using his time wisely.
“I’ve been down to Lahinch a couple of times before playing the Canadian and US Open and last week when I got back and I’d rarely do that for a regular event,” Lowry added.
“The tournament deserves an Irish player go deep into the final round. I’d love to give myself a chance of doing it and the weekend in Lahinch would be amazing if one of the Irish lads could do it.
“We’ll all be watching if an Irishman goes down the 18th on Sunday in contention.”
