Padraig Harrington doe not expect 'out of steam' Shane Lowry to win ...
But the World Golf Hall of Famer reckons pal Lowry is running on empty after a gruelling PGA Tour season that saw him finish T9 on the FexEx Cup ladder
GOLF legend Padraig Harrington isn't picking Shane Lowry to win another Irish Open this week.
The three-time major winner was speaking after his opening round at Royal County Down this afternoon.
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Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, Rob MacIntyre are just some of the names in action at this year's edition.
Dubliner Harrington carded a two over par 73 first round at the Newcastle based course.
And speaking after that round he was asked about if the Offaly star would be suited on the links track.
While the World Golf Hall of Famer reckons Lowry's game does suit the course, he reckon the 37-year-old is running on empty after a gruelling PGA Tour season.
Harrington pointed to the mental and physical challenges of the gruelling PGA Tour schedule.
Speaking to Sky Sports during as a guest commentator during the afternoon coverage, the Stackstown Golf Club star said: "I think this golf course would really suit him. He's a really straight hitter - good low ball player - knows his links.
"But I think he's had a long year, I really do.
"I know it's the Irish Open, I've just been talking to him, he's given it his all this year but I think he's kind of just hit the wall at this stage.
"We played nine holes in practice then went out and walked the course.
"He's trying hard but I just think two over par is not him, he's run out of steam a little."
Clara ace Lowry enjoyed his best ever PGA Tour after an 9th place finish in the Tour Championship at East Lake.
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The 2019 Open winner also performed very well in the PGA Championship and Open Championship.
He also claimed his first PGA Tour title in five years after winning the Zurich Championship alongside pal Rory McIlroy in New Orleans.
Despite not playing his best golf, world number 32 Lowry carded a very solid first round of 72 to sit on one over par.
He's just four behind leader clubhouse leader Will Enefer on, who carded a -3 round 68.
The leaderboard is tightly packed after very tough conditions in Down, 2015 winner Soren Kjeldsen won with a score of just two-under-par.
