The Open: Shane Lowry reveals unfortunate reason behind sluggish Saturday at Royal Portrush

Shane Lowry revealed a sickness bug left him feeling as though he wanted to throw up all over Royal Portrush during the third round of The Open.

Lowry came into the final men's major of the year in Northern Ireland as one of the favourites to lift the Claret Jug. 

The 38-year-old won The Open when it was held here six years ago and, alongside Rory McIlroy, was given a hero's welcome. 

But a third-round 74 saw Lowry tumble down the leaderboard on Saturday, 24 hours after he was slapped with a two-shot penalty. 

Lowry said he would not be labelled 'a cheat' and slaughtered on social media over what transpired on the 12th hole. 

Tournament officials deemed the golfer caused his ball to move as he made a practice swing. 

No doubt Lowry went home with mixed emotions. His Open then week got worse when he woke up at 2.30am with stomach cramps. 

The golfer said a virus has swept through the Lowry household this week. 

"I tried to get a protein drink down me after eight holes," Lowry said. "And I felt like throwing up all over the place. 

"Yeah, it's been a tough day, but I'm not going to make excuses. I played poorly today and obviously had a bad finish."

Lowry said the penalty he received was 'hard to take'. 

"I wanted to do well so badly today and this week," he said. 

World No.1 and 54-hole leader Scottie Scheffler told reporters Lowry dealt with the moment well. 

Other players also reached, it seems. 

Former major winner turned Sky Sports analyst Laura Davies opined on the broadcast on Saturday afternoon that the golf rules should be changed. 

"I'm not too keen to talk on it too much," Lowry added. 

"I think we said enough about it last night. [I felt the reaction was] quite supportive, I would say, from the other players. 

"They all feel bad for me that two shots is a lot to give up. Yeah, I don't really have much else to say actually."

Ryder Cup goals

Lowry said he's hoping to put in a good final round performance on Sunday before turning his attention to the forthcoming Ryder Cup. 

He will take a few weeks off before heading back to America for the playoffs. 

The biennial showdown heads to Bethpage Black in September and Lowry will be desperate to be part of the team once again. 

Lowry scored 1.5 points for Luke Donald's Europe two years ago in Italy. 

For me, my big mindset for the next few months is about the Ryder Cup and trying to win that. That's where all my work is going to go towards over the next while.