Shane Lowry

The Offaly Independent newspaper correspondent called it…. Twenty two years ago when reporting on the then 16-year golfing sensation. It may be a long way from Ryder Cup glory, but this snippet from 2003 is insightful as golf enthusiasts celebrate European victory yesterday and in particular that final putt from the Offaly man. Setting a course record on his home club, Esker Hills, the Offaly newspaper reported in June 2003:

New Course Record For Shane

It was never a question of if Shane Lowry would break the course record, only when. Last Sunday, 16 year old Shane shot a superb gross round of 69, two under par in a singles competition ' sponsored by Milne O'Dwyer. The previous record was made by Damien Fox back in August 2000.

Shane has been playing Pitch & Putt since he was nine and only took up full golf just over two years ago. In this short period of time, his handicap has come down from 18 just 5, and looks like being on course to becoming a scratch golfer in the near future. Don't be surprised if he breaks his own record this season, as he is playing great golf and this is his third win this year alone. Last year, he won the Golfer of the Year Award, and is hot favourite to retain the title this year.

At only 16 years of age, Shane is destined to becoming, one of Ireland's finest golfers.

The newspaper archive is packed with stories from Lowry’s early golf career. For more information search the pages of the Irish Newspaper Archive (www.irishnewsarchive.com )