Lowry the Invincible wows Royal Portrush crowds with flawless round that edges him closer to Open crown
Ireland's wedge wizard produces some magic to lead by four shots
After the incredible drama of Open, Days One and Two, no-one, let alone Shane Lowry, could have predicted what would happen next ... NIGEL GOULD had a ring-side view of a quite extraordinary round of golf at Royal Portrush
He's known as the Westmeath wizard of the wedge ...
And last night, Shane Lowry produced a quite magical performance in front of the tens of thousands of fans who had lined four deep along the undulating terrain framing the famed Royal Portrush fairways.
The 32-year-old looked invincible as he bagged birdie after birdie - eventually carding a stunning 63.
He will begin Day four - on 16 under, four shots ahead of Tommy Fleetwood - and edging ever so closer to his dream first Major title.
Lowry is now perfectly positioned to truly fulfil that early promise this weekend at Royal Portrush. With the Irish fans behind him all the way, the Claret Jug, it seems, is there for the taking.
Afterwards he paid tribute to the massive crowds who cheered him on from start to finish. - and said it was the best day of his life.
Among the celebrity fans were Ireland rugby captain Rory Best and actor James Nesbitt.
"I can't say enough about the tremendous support," he said. "there is no place I'd rather be."
"Every time I had a putt today, I wanted to hole it to hear that roar."
Lowry revealed he had felt comfortable and relaxed throughout - and was definitely spurred on by the raucous throng with chants of 'Ole, Ole, Ole' - such a response usually reserved for golfing superstars like Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods.
At one stage, the cheers were so loud, both Lee Westwood and Tommy Fleetwood had to take a while to compose themselves before teeing off.
Without a doubt, Lowry will be the name on everyone's lips tomorrow - as he attempts to lift the Claret Jug for the first time.