Shane Lowry told he's talking 'nonsense' by former Ryder Cup skipper

Former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley says Shane Lowry will regret criticising R&A officials over how Royal Troon was set-up at The Open. 

Lowry created a golden opportunity to claim his second claret jug last week. 

But the 2019 winner came unstuck in the third round after cultivating a comfortable lead. 

The leaders had to endure horrific conditions by the Scottish coast. 

It was so bad Lowry and his playing partner Daniel Brown were forced to hit drivers off the par-3 17th. 

It should be pointed out that Billy Horschel somehow managed to card a two-under 69 in the same conditions as Lowry.

Lowry fell down the leaderboard but put himself back into contention mid-way through the final round on Sunday thanks to a run of birdies. 

But it was too little too late and Xander Schauffele obliterated the field over the closing stretch. 

"You'd have to question why there wasn't a couple of tees put forward today, to be honest," Lowry said after round three. 

He also pointed out that the best hole on the course, the par-3 Postage Stamp, was only 100 yards in length. 

McGinley said Lowry, in time, will come to regret what he said. 

He told Live From that it was 'nonsense' to suggest the tees should have been brought forward. 

"That's links golf courses," he added. 

McGinley pointed out that Lowry was the beneficiary of a stroke of fortune at the 2009 Irish Open that he won as an amateur. 

Tees were brought forward in the expectation of rough weather but it never arrived. 

Lowry fired a 62 in the second round in the afternoon wave with clear skies and the wind, which was gusting at 30mph, died down to near zero. 

Added McGinley: "Yes, the guys at the end got screwed, and yes, the golfing gods decided to shuffle the pack by making the leaders play in the toughest weather conditions, but that's the perils of playing links golf and that's kind of part of what you have to accept. 

"Shane will regret that comment. I know what he's like; he was hot when he came off. He let a great opportunity slip to win this tournament, and he knew that. 

"He was hot he had to do press, and he said things that I'm sure he has regretted because nobody loves links golf courses more than he does."

Lowry ultimately finished in a tie for sixth at this Open. 

For his part he admitted he was extremely disappointed. 

It will always be the one that got away. 

He was dreaming of returning to Portrush next year as the defending champion.

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