Emotional Shane Lowry thanks parents in touching acceptance speech

Champion golfer Shane Lowry has said that he's looking forward to handing the Claret Jug to his parents following his Open championship win at Royal Portrush on Sunday.

Lowry shot a final round of 72 to clear second placed Tommy Fleetwood by six strokes and claim the first major championship of his professional career. The Offaly native led the field on all four days and clung on to secure his maiden major victory and afterwards he thanked a host of people including his beloved parents Brendan and Bridget.

"I want to thank my coach Neil, my caddie Bo, my management, I definitely wouldn't be standing here without them," Lowry said. "My family. What can I say? My mum and dad. You sacrificed so much for me when I was younger and I'm so happy I can hand them this trophy tonight. "My wife and my little girl Iris - to have them here today is just that extra bit special. I don't know what to say. "Last but not least... all the volunteers and the fans. Thank you so much. This one is for you."

https://twitter.com/BPhillipsWriter/status/1152995461608828928 Lowry wrote in a column for the Irish Times in 2014 that golf was a big part of his family and that he used to have great battles with his dad and his brother as a teen.

"My dad started playing golf after I joined and actually became quite good and played off seven at a time. He was handy enough and it was great growing up. Me, him and my younger brother, Alan, used to have great battles playing for a fiver.

"Golf gives a great connection between a parent and children – to head out there for four hours or whatever and play 18 holes of golf. It is something that you don’t do playing football or anything like that. I think it is great."