PGA Tour

Shane Lowry holds lead after the third round at The Open with a record 54-hole score

While Rory McIlroy was supposed to be the great hope for Ireland this week at The Open, it was another Irishman who stepped up to carry the baton.

Shane Lowry has not only taken over The Open, but he is putting on a clinic. Through 54 holes, Lowry holds a four-stroke lead over Englishman Tommy Fleetwood. Those two are followed by J.B. Holmes at 10-under and Brooks Koepka at nine-under.

Koepka appeared to be spot on with his irons, but he struggled on the greens. Koepka hit nearly 78% of greens in regulation but couldn’t make a putt inside two feet. He averaged 1.61 putts and in order to keep pace with Lowry, he’ll have to do better than that.

Lowry’s overall score of 197, is a 54-hole record low for The Open and ties the second lowest 54-hole record in major championship history.

Lowry has been in this position before.

In 2016, Lowry held the 54-hole lead in the U.S. Open at Oakmont. When he finished that Saturday, Dustin Johnson was three-strokes back at three-under.

That Sunday in 2016, was a round that Lowry would probably rather forget. He made seven bogies and one birdie to shoot 76 and finish three strokes behind DJ at T2.

Tee Times

While The Open is a place that weather usually comes into play, the forecast for the leaders tomorrow is not really what anyone wants to see.

I’m sure there are plenty who will disagree with me and say that these guys should be out there playing in 40 mph gusts and rain, I just don’t care to watch that. I’d rather see these guys play in 20-30 mph winds and rain and be able to find their ball.

Michael Shamburger

Michael is the founder and Editor in Chief of The Stiff Shaft. He spent 15 years covering golf for TheBigLead, Golfweek, and Golf Channel. Don't base your opinion on those of others. Do your research and form your own opinions.

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