Shane Lowry carded his lowest opening round in a major after a pep talk in the Bushmills Inn got him off to a flier at Royal Portrush.
The Clara golfer, who ended the day at 4-under, freely admitted he was a bag of nerves the night before the Open’s return to the storied Dunluce Links.
“It’s the British Open , it’s in Ireland.. why wouldn’t I feel uneasy?” said Lowry, who benefited from a chat with longtime coach Neil Manchip in a local hotel in the neighbouring town of Bushmills.
“I didn’t feel practice went well and I felt a little bit uncomfortable. Myself and Neil went for coffee yesterday evening down at the Bushmills Inn.
“We found a little quiet room and we had a great chat for about 40 minutes and I left that room full of confidence and ready to go.
“We were just getting everything out in the open and on the table, what could happen and what might happen.
“I was feeling really uneasy yesterday evening and it’s probably as nervous as I’ve been on a first tee, almost ever I’d say.
“But nerves are a good thing and this is where you want to be. I just hope I’m nervous again on Sunday afternoon.”
Lowry hailed the “unbelievable crowds” as the Open returned to Portrush for the first time in 68 years, but admitted he felt “very uncomfortable" on the first tee.
“I was very happy it was downwind and it was only a three iron,” he smiled.
“I hit a good tee shot and from there I was off and running. I got off to a nice solid start and I was enjoying myself.
"I missed a few chances coming in, but I’m fairly happy with 4-under. If you’d offered me that, I would have taken your hand off.
"I think 4-under is a great score on that course and I’ll take that any day. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
"The crowds are unbelievable and getting cheered onto every tee box is such a special feeling.
"I tried to enjoy that as much as I can and it’s going to be an exciting few days ahead.
"I can relax now and go out tomorrow and try and shoot a decent score and see where it leaves me.”
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