Masters win would 'be on par' with Claret Jug success, says Shane Lowry

Shane Lowry still bristles with pride when he recalls his Open Championship win at Royal Portrush last summer. Nothing, in fact, will ever top that, but winning a Green Jacket would certainly come close. Very close.

Shane Lowry in action during the final round of the Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston on Sunday. Picture: Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

“I’ll struggle,” replied Lowry, speaking in the build up to this week’s rescheduled Masters, to being asked if that Claret Jug win could ever be topped, having claimed his win in the event’s first staging at the County Antrim venue

Since 1951.

“But, if I have a chance, it will be around here. To be the first Irishman to ever wear the Green Jacket would be pretty special. That's probably one of the only things that could top it.

“I've worked very hard all my life and I achieved something very, very special last year. I probably won't ever top that, but if it is, it will maybe be around here.

“I think to wear a green jacket would be just very, very special. You know, I think they will be on par. We'll just wait and see.

“But I'm not going to talk myself up too much. I'm never really one to do that. I just kind of go about my business the way I always do and, if I give myself a chance on Sunday, I know I can pull something like this off.”

Lowry is making his fifth appearance at Augusta National, having missed the cut three times and finishing tied for 39th on the occasion he made it to the weekend.

“I don't think I've ever shot too many great rounds around here,” he admitted. “I'm hoping the time of year kind of changes my look around here and also like coming in with a bit more form than I ever really have.

“I'm hopeful for the week ahead. I do feel like my game is in a good place. I played nine holes yesterday and feel like the course is great. We are going to get a bit of rain, which everybody is going to say is going to suit me, but you know, we just have to wait and see.”

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