Irish Open: Shane Lowry hopes & # 039; a good show & # 039; upon return from the NI

Shane Lowry goes off during his practice round in Galgorm on Wednesday

Shane Lowry says he hopes to "put down a good show for everyone "" to this week's pandemic Irish Open.

This year's postponed tournament kicks off Thursday at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Ballymena, County Antrim, with no spectators. ]

The field has been hit by the coronavirus pandemic with important names like Rory McIlroy and defending champion Jon Rahm choosing not to play.

"It's a very prestigious event and a huge trophy," said Lowry.

"Obviously, this week is a little different. We probably don't have the field we want here. but there are a few Irish guys here and we'll do our best to put on a good show for everyone.

"Hopefully one of us can take a home win this week, there are a few amateurs in the field, so you never know."

Irish Open has & # 39; always been huge to me & # 39; – Lowry

This week marks Lowry & # 39; s return to Northern Ireland for the first time since winning the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July 2019, with the 33-year-old taking the Claret Jug with him to Galgorm.

And the resident of Offaly, who memorable won the Irish Open in 2009 as an amateur, says he hopes to create even more happy memories on his return to NI after finishing in 43rd place. ended week US Open in New York.

"I spoke to my uncle as I drove into Belfast and I said," The last time I was here I went home with the Claret Jug ". , the world added number 30.

"So good memories and hopefully I can create more this week."

Sharvin hopes to adapt to no fuss

Lowry is part of a strong Irish contingent in the field in Galgorm this week, with three-time winner Padraig Harrington , Northern Irish amateur Tom McKibbin, 2019 British amateur champion James Sugrue and 2017 British Masters winner Paul Dunne are all participating.

Next to Dunne for the first two rounds will be Cormac Sharvin, who finished as the low Irish at last year's tournament in Lahinch.

And Sharvin admits he has to adjust to a different atmosphere this week, without any spectators on the runway who have recently been fed up with the energetic atmosphere in Co. Clare. year.

Cormac Sharvin is one of the home contingents in the Irish open field

"It's definitely going to be a challenge this week," the 27- year-old Ardglass resident.

"Even when I came to Galgorm to play the Northern Ireland Open in the Challenge Tour, there was always a good crowd, guys from Ardglass came to follow me, and that I ate very well.

"The challenge is to be for it from the start and in fact eat of myself.

"That has been a challenge for me for a year or two now, trying to get myself focused from the start, so hopefully I can do that this week."