Saudi Arabia ... Cormac Sharvin has won praise from not one but two Major Champions – Shane Lowry and Martin Kaymer.
There was plenty of banter on the 10th tee when Sharvin, who is a good friend of Lowry, joined the Open Champion along with the double Major-winning German for a nine-hole practice round ahead of the start to the second edition of the Saudi International in Saudi Arabia.
Corman Sharvin taking it easy in the wonderful comfort of the Royal Greens clubhouse and venue for his maiden appearance at the Saudi International … Exclusive photo @tourmiss
Sharvin, 27 gained full Tour membership off last year’s secondary Challenge Tour and it teeing-up this week in his first Saudi International, and having waited out the past fortnight practicing in Dubai in failing to get a start in the opening two events of the Tour’s ‘Middle East Swing’.
“It was a really nice practice round with three Majors between them, so I really enjoyed it as I know Shane very well while Shane’s caddy is my cousin,” said Cormac.
“It was nice to be up-close to Major Champions and see how they play, and picked their way around the course, and also learn a few things from them.
“The great thing Shane won the Open Championship and he defended the other week in Abu Dhabi, and he’s just a good guy and not changed one bit.
“And I felt I learnt a lot being in their company even if for just nine holes such as they go about their own practice, and I’m always one ready to learn.”
Lowry, and also making his first appearance in the oil-rich nation, was all very praiseworthy of Sharvin, who it is understood to be moving to new premises and very close to the Lowry’s.
“It’s great having Cormac out here now on the main Tour,” said Lowry.
“When I started on Tour there, was 12 Irish on Tour, and now obviously there’s not as many so it’s great to see him here.
“His nephew is my caddie, so there’s a bit of added interest there. I played with him for the first time at Lahinch last year in a practice round. I was very impressed and impressed again yesterday.
“Martin and I were out to a dinner last night and Martin talked about him and said how much Cormac impressed him.
“Hopefully he’s got a bright future and he can get his season off to a good start this week and maybe have a good year and I suppose make The Race to Dubai or something would be a good season.”
