SHANE LOWRY’S US Open heartbreak was eating away at him on Sunday night — but the devastated Offaly man says the near miss is proof that he can win a Major.
Lowry looked to be on the brink of a historic triumph at Oakmont Country Club as he led by four shots at the start of the final round.
But he struggled to a disappointing 76 as another first-time champion, Dustin Johnson, reeled him in and stole the show.
“I really feel like I let it go today,” Lowry told Sky Sports after finishing in a share of second place, three shots behind Johnson.
I’m very disappointed. The more I think about it, the more upset I’m getting.
“It’s going to be one those, it’s going to be hard to take for a few days.
“I led this tournament by four shots coming into the final round. I was tied for the lead with five holes to play.
“I’m definitely good enough to win one of these so I’ll get back on the horse in the next couple of weeks.”
The final-day drama was overshadowed by a rules controversy when officials informed the players that Johnson might be assessed a one-shot penalty — but that they wouldn’t make a decision until the end of the round.
Lowry refused to use the confusion as an excuse and said it didn’t affect his play.
And despite the disappointment, he found plenty of positives to take from his best showing yet at a Major.
“At the end of the day, if you had given me second at the start of the week, I’d probably have taken it.
Obviously I’m standing here now in that position and I’m not happy but there’s lots of positives to take from this week.
“This is a true test of golf and I was right in there for 67 holes, for the whole round really.
“That’s golf. You win some, you lose some, and I’ll definitely be back.”
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