Shane Lowry fears golf’s return will lag behind other sports

Lowry believes golf could struggle to return to normality quicker than other sports when restrictions are eventually lifted, and has suggested that some players could even be prevented from playing in some parts of the world.

“The only issue I see with golf is that we all live in different countries,” said Lowry.

“I think that’s the big issue. When you look at the Premier League they all live in England. So when England is ready to open up again you can start back the Premier League.

“That’s where golf, I think, differs. It will be interesting to see what restrictions are in place when we get playing.

“I’d just be fearful that players might not get visas if they’re from certain countries. We’ll just have to wait and see.”

Golf is currently in lockdown like other sports around the world. The first two majors of the season, the Masters and US PGA Championship, have been postponed and not yet rescheduled, while June’s US Open is a major doubt due to the proximity of Winged Foot to a coronavirus containment zone.

Irishman Lowry is in Florida, having rented a house there and gave a glimpse of what life is like for him and his family during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 32-year-old, who won the Open last July amid emotional scenes at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland, was playing golf until last week at a local course.

“I was playing up until then with one of my friends, just the two of us in a two-ball in two different golf karts every day.

“We’d play 18 holes and I never thought golf would be my getaway. I was just going out for a fun round to enjoy it.

“It was disappointing when the golf course was closed down, but it was kind of necessary.

“I watch the Irish news every day, I’m on my phone and keeping up to date with the whole thing. It’s not quite as bad here, but we don’t basically go outside the house.”

Lowry said he had bought gym equipment a few weeks ago, but admitted there was no chance of him matching the toned physique of world number one Rory McIlroy.

“I’ve got a little gym in the garage and it gets an hour or two out of my day,” he said. “But I definitely won’t be coming out of the far side of this looking like Rory McIlroy.”

A message from the Editorial Director, Gillian Parkinson:

Thank you for reading this story on our website.

But I also have an urgent plea to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality local news on this free-to-read site and in print, please purchase a copy of our newspaper as well.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on our town centres and many of our valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you buying a copy when you pop out for your essential shop or subscribing for delivery.

Our journalists are highly trained by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards anywhere in the world. Our content is universally trusted - as all independent research proves.

As Baroness Barran said in a House of Lords debate this week on the importance of journalists: “Not only are they a trusted source of facts, but they will have a role to play in rallying communities and getting the message across about how we can keep ourselves and our families safe, and protect our NHS. Undoubtedly, they have a critical role.”

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis. In return we will continue to forensically cover the local news - not only the impact of the virus but all the positive and uplifting news happening in these dark days.

We thank all our readers and advertisers for their understanding and support - and we wish YOU all the best in the coming weeks. Keep safe, and follow the Government advice. Thank you.

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE:

You can subscribe for delivery by contacting us at [email protected] or calling us on 0330 4033004 for details of a participating newsagent near you.