Heading into The Open this week, many felt that the potential conditions at Royal Liverpool would perfectly suit Shane Lowry's golf game.
The Irishman has shown in the past that he can thrive in adverse weather conditions, while he is without doubt one of the most consistent links performer in the sport at the moment. However, it did not turn out that way.
Lowry was well short of his best over the first couple of rounds, especially on Friday. In the end, he would miss the cut after finishing on a disappointing +7.
His frustration was clear for everyone to see, with the Offaly native snapping an iron during the closing stages of the round.
😡 Shane Lowry just snapped his club… #TheOpen @LowryTracker
pic.twitter.com/NTv8u6OfVP— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 21, 2023
He has faced some criticism as a result of this incident, although one of his compatriots had no issue with it.
Golf: Padraig Harrington had no issue with Shane Lowry breaking club
Padraig Harrington is someone that take the etiquette of golf seriously, although he was quick to leap to the defence of Shane Lowry on this occasion.
Speaking after his third round yesterday, the Dubliner said he had no issue with Lowry snapping his club in this manner as he did not cross the line when it came to venting his frustrations.
I haven't seen it. Was it a good break?
I've changed completely my whole idea that any player who wants to vent a bit frustration on themselves I have no problem as long as they don't damage the golf course or get in anybody's way.
Shane didn't do either of those, so I've no problem at all. If you want to break all 14 clubs, fine. As long as you don't damage the course or interfere.
And to be honest, I don't think a player getting upset once or twice doesn't interfere at all. Maybe if somebody's at it all day... I think generally, if somebody is doing that, I have a bit of a laugh about it.
As long as it was an athletic break, I have no problem with it.
Lowry did not damage the course in any way, with his club being the sole focus of his frustrations on this occasion.
He will be hoping that his next performance on the golf course does not bring about similar results.
SEE ALSO: Rory McIlroy Accused Of Breaking Obscure Golf Rule During Remarkable Shot At The Open
