Shane Lowry Confident Ahead of 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2

Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship winner at Royal Portrush, is preparing to compete in the 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2 course in North Carolina. Lowry feels more confident in his game than ever before, believing it to be stronger now than when he clinched his major victory in 2019.

The 124th U.S. Open, scheduled for June 13-16, 2024, will see 150 players either qualified or specially invited to participate. Lowry, categorized under British Open Champions for the past five years, is among the notable contenders. His recent form, including a sixth-place finish at the PGA Championship at Valhalla, has bolstered his confidence.

Reflecting on his 2019 Open Championship win, Lowry recalled the extraordinary efforts people made to attend the event, including an acquaintance who hired a single-propeller plane to fly from Kerry to Portrush. The 2019 Open Championship saw a record attendance of 237,750, making it the largest attendance outside of St Andrews.

Lowry is focused on the majors, stating that they are the most important tournaments on a player's CV. He is confident about his chances at Pinehurst No. 2, having moved to Florida and become more accustomed to the grass conditions. Lowry believes he has improved as a player since his 2019 win, citing his maturity and experience playing on the PGA Tour.

“I think I’ve become more mature and my game has just improved from being over here (in the USA), and playing in these big tournaments you’ve no choice but to improve,” Lowry said. His recent performances, including partnering with Rory McIlroy to win the Zurich Classic, reflect this enhanced form.

Pinehurst No. 2, known for its challenging layout, will be hosting the U.S. Open for the first time on Champion ultradwarf bermudagrass greens. Course superintendent John Jeffreys has overseen significant changes over the past decade, including a landmark regrassing project that replaced A1/A4 bentgrass with the new bermudagrass.

“If you draw a graph of when our play volume is the greatest and bermuda is at its peak performance, it matches up now where it was completely opposite on bentgrass,” Jeffreys explained, highlighting the benefits of the regrassing project.

Lowry, who has previously struggled at Pinehurst, missing the cut by a shot in his last appearance, feels more confident this time around. “I think I am a much improved player since then,” he said, looking forward to the challenge.

With the U.S. Open approaching, Lowry’s focus remains on preparing thoroughly and playing his best game. His recent form and improved confidence make him a player to watch at Pinehurst No. 2.

Key Takeaways

• Shane Lowry to compete in 2024 U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2.
• Lowry feels more confident in his game than ever before.
• He's improved since 2019 Open Championship win, citing maturity and experience.
• Pinehurst No. 2's Champion ultradwarf bermudagrass greens will provide a new challenge.
• Lowry aims to prepare thoroughly and play his best game at the U.S. Open.