Shane Lowry’s Heartfelt Admission: “I Miss Paddy Out on Tour” after coming up short at the Open

After a challenging finish at The Open Championship, Shane Lowry candidly shared his feelings about missing Padraig Harrington on the PGA Tour. Harrington, now primarily competing on the Champions Tour, no longer plays full-time on the PGA Tour. Despite this, Lowry misses the veteran golfer’s presence, especially after his recent performance at The Open.

Lowry led the tournament after 36 holes but faced a major setback in the third round, dropping from a three-shot lead to trailing by three shots. The disappointing round weighed heavily on him, and while he reflected on it Saturday evening, his friends and Harrington were there to support him. Harrington offered some encouraging words, which Lowry initially resisted.

“Padraig was trying to give his positive talk, and I was trying not to listen,” Lowry recalled with a laugh. “I said to the boys, ‘That’s the reason I miss Paddy out on Tour.’ I miss him an awful lot just for his positivity and just how good of a person he is. He certainly was helpful last night. I turned off my phone and tried to be with the people around me and go out today and give it my best, and I did that.”

Despite Lowry’s perception, Harrington downplayed the interaction, describing it as a casual chat rather than a formal pep talk. “We just had a chat. Wasn’t anything like that,” Harrington said on Sunday. “He had his crew with him, and I sat down for a while, and we talked about everything. I don’t think he needed me, and I don’t think I had to be there, but that doesn’t mean — you know me; prepared to give anybody a lecture.”

Harrington, a two-time Open Champion, has experienced his own share of disappointments in his career. His willingness to support Lowry highlights the strong bond they share. Over the years, through their Irish heritage and Ryder Cup experiences, Lowry and Harrington have developed a close relationship. Lowry’s comments about missing Harrington on Tour underscore their deep connection.

Having Harrington’s presence during a tough moment likely benefited Lowry, as a round like Saturday’s can significantly impact a golfer’s confidence. Lowry rebounded on Sunday, shooting a 3-under 68 to secure a solo sixth-place finish. While it wasn’t the same as winning the Claret Jug, moving up the leaderboard on the final day was a significant internal victory for Lowry. Despite the initial disappointment of not maintaining his lead, he demonstrated resilience and determination, attributes that Harrington has undoubtedly helped to instill in him.