Padraig Harrington believes that Shane Lowry is in with a very good chance to win the Open Championship.
Speaking to Off the Ball, Harrington was confident that his fellow Irishman has what it takes to go all the way in Portrush.
“He’s certainly got a great attitude and a winning mentality, no doubt about it. He’s got belief and he’s got a strong game and that’s never been an issue because it always comes down to do you believe you can do it?
“I believe he believes he can win. More than you can say for a lot of guys in that situation. Shane believes he can do it,” Harrington said.
Lowry is currently leading at the Open, tied with American J.B. Holmes on eight under par after the opening two rounds. While it’s certainly not a done deal for the Offaly man, Harrington believes he has done everything right so far.
“He’s done enough in the first two rounds where if he sticks in for the next 36 holes and I’m not saying he couldn’t go away from the field, but if he sticks in he’s going to have a chance with nine holes to go.
“And that’s all really that the first two rounds do. If you play well to get you in a position that you have a number of winning scenarios. He’s dealt himself the right cards at this stage,” Harrington commented.
Disappointment for Harrington
Harrington didn’t make the cut at the Open after finishing four over par. He did improve in the second round, finishing on one under par for that alone but in the end it wasn’t enough.
“I hit a lot of good putts yesterday that missed. I kind of lost momentum with my putter today after that. Yeah, bit of a shame. I didn’t putt well at all today.
“The putts that I missed yesterday, I hit good putts. So it kind of gets in on you I suppose. So disappointing to come out and putt so badly today after playing so well,” Harrington commented.
The Open continues tomorrow where Shane Lowry will look to capitalise on his solid outing so far. Elsewhere, Rory McIlroy has not made the cut for the weekend despite an impressive second round, finishing two over par.
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