Lowry hoping to replicate 2019 triumph as The Open tees off

Shane Lowry returns to the scene of his greatest sporting triumph when he tees it up at The 153rd Open in Royal Portrush today (Thursday).

The Clara man famously won the Claret Jug on the scenic County Antrim coast golf links in 2019 and six years on from that iconic victory will be hoping to replicate the feat this weekend.

Lowry is part of an opening two day threeball which includes two top ten ranked US golfers, world number one Scottie Scheffler and Colin Morikawa.

During his 2019 success in Royal Portrush, Lowry was prominently placed throughout the tournament moving into a four shot lead when he shot a course record 63 on the third day of play.

Lowry extended that lead to six shots on the final day of play to claim the prized silverware and a place in the golfing annals.

US Masters champion Rory McIlroy will be hoping to add to his 'majors' tally when he starts his tournament alongside Justin Thomas and Tommy Fleetwood, while two time Open champion Padraig Harrington, one time champion Darren Clarke and Tom McKibbin complete the Irish contingent competing for the Claret Jug.