Shane Lowry’s got over the lump in his throat driving down Magnolia Lane and ahead is the knee-knocking exercise of teeing up today in his maiden Masters.
There will be the introduction on the Augusta National first tee just after 12.31pm local time (5.31pm Irish): “Fore please, Shane Lowry now driving.”
It will be a special occasion in the life of the 28-year old along with those watching on including his financee Wendy and his proud parents.
In fact, his former All-Ireland Gaelic footballing father Brendan caddied for Lowry in yesterday’s (WED)Par 3 Contest.
And Lowry will be a part of Irish golfing history later today as never before have five Irish together in a Masters.
Padraig Harrington with Masters rookie Shane Lowry in a final practice round ahead of the 2015 Masters. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“It’s just been phenomenal being here and the buzz around the place is everything everyone said it would be,” said Lowry.
“Driving up Magnolia Lane for a first time was just so cool.
“I was there with my coach and my fiancée Wendy but then she doesn’t really understand golf and I said to her, “This is the most famous drive in golf”.
“I have to admit I had a bit of a lump in my throat driving up. It was quite good. It’s been a long journey for me here. I’m a few years pro now and it’s great to be here. I’m very 1excited about the whole week.”
That journey has taken Lowry around the globe competing in 145 European Tour events up until the end of the 2014 season when a letter, postmarked Augusta, GA, arrived around New Year ‘inviting’ Lowry to compete in the 79th Masters.
After a few days practice on the Lake Nona range in Florida, Lowry’s spent the past three days familiarising himself with the famed Georgia golfing gem.
He wound up his on-course preparations near noon yesterdy local time in the company of American Erik Compton quitely-confident of performing well in his first Masters.
“I’ll try to hit my driver straight down the middle of the first and then try to hit it into the middle of the green,” he said.
“That will be my only thoughts on the firs tee.
“I’ve had a lot of advice up to this point from a lot of different people but I had a good chat with my coach Neil(Manchip) last week and we decided we’re going to try and figure it out for ourselves.
“That’s really all I have done this week and that’s why I played nine on my own on Monday just to get to know the place myself.
“I’m generally quite good at getting to know courses. I think I’ll be okay.
“But then if were to ask me the same question next Sunday evening I’m not sure what I’ll say, but that’s what I’m going to do anyway
“However in saying that I know it’s going to be quite difficult as the greens are quite severe in places and they will take a bit of getting used to and getting to know them.
“But then I’m really just enjoying it as it’s an amazing experience so far anyway.”
Lowry will tee at in the company of former Masters winner Mark O’Meara and his fellow American Chris Kirk.
