The Open Championship is upon us as Shane Lowry looks to defend the crown he won at Royal Portrush two yearsago.
The Offaly man is in stellar company, but our golf columnist Gary Murphy reckons Lowry has the potential to replicate the stunning form that brought him the Claret Jug.
Elsewhere, the links course could suit an outsider while Rory McIlroy's underwhelming build-up to the major could work in his favour this weekend.
In his latest Irish Mirror column, Murphy said: "Lowry has been playing some nice golf since March and if he embraces the challenge of defending golf’s greatest prize, there’s no reason why he can’t lay down another major marker.
"A good week would also go a long way to realising his dream of playing at the Ryder Cup. It’s an added incentive and one he should relish."
He added: "Decent company awaits if Lowry produces the quality of links golf he graced us with at Portrush two glorious summers ago."
Gary Murphy's Selections
Justin Thomas - 18/1 EW
Could be time to add to his sole major at the 2017 USPGA.
Victor Hovland - 28/1 EW
Won in Germany and has every chance of being in the mix.
Shane Lowry - 33/1 EW
Has the game and mindset to put up a strong defence.
Cameron Smith - 60/1 EW
A very underrated player who has skill set to upset odds.
Matt Jones - 200/1 EW
Will relish Sandwich set-up and is a decent EW chance.
Brendan Steele - 300/1 EW
American has steady game and is my longshot for week.
