PORTRUSH, Northern Ireland – Graeme McDowell winced as the rain and wind lashed the interview area at Royal Portrush. He was explaining how important Shane Lowry’s short game would be over the final few holes at The Open when the worst of the week’s weather swept across the course.
“Sounds like he's going to need it,” McDowell smiled.
The forecast that called for wind gusts to 35 mph and “outbreaks of heavy rain” arrived on schedule to turn the final round into a wind-whipped test of wills. It was a test most didn’t pass.
“It was a tough day out there today, wasn't it?