GOLF legend Padraig Harrington isn't picking Shane Lowry to win another Irish Open this week.
Dubliner Harrington carded a two over par 73 first round at the Newcastle based course.
And speaking after that round he was asked about if the Offaly star would be suited on the links track.
While the World Golf Hall of Famer reckons Lowry's game does suit the course, he reckons the 37-year-old is running on empty after a grueling PGA Tour season.
Harrington pointed to the mental and physical challenges of the grueling PGA Tour schedule.
Speaking to Sky Sports during as a guest commentator during the afternoon coverage, the Stackstown Golf Club star said: "I think this golf course would really suit him. He's a really straight hitter - good low ball player - knows his links.
"But I think he's had a long year, I really do.
"I know it's the Irish Open, I've just been talking to him, he's given it his all this year but I think he's kind of just hit the wall at this stage.
"We played nine holes in practice then went out and walked the course.
"He's trying hard but I just think two over par is not him, he's run out of steam a little."
Is Lowry's PGA Tour Form Taking Its Toll?
The 2019 Open winner also performed very well in the PGA Championship and Open Championship.
He's just four behind leader clubhouse leader Will Enefer on, who carded a -3 round 68.
The leaderboard is tightly packed after very tough conditions in Down, 2015 winner Soren Kjeldsen won with a score of just two-under-par.
The Irish Open: A Testing Ground for Lowry
The Irish Open is always a special event for Lowry, who has a loyal following in his home country. However, Harrington's assessment of Lowry's fatigue raises an interesting question: Could the pressure of the Irish Open, coupled with the grueling PGA Tour season, be taking its toll on Lowry's performance?
Harrington's comments suggest that Lowry's mental and physical state may be hindering his ability to perform at his best. While Lowry has achieved notable success this year, including his victory at the Zurich Championship, Harrington believes that the long season has caught up to him.
Lowry's first-round performance at the Irish Open, with a score of one over par, does not reflect his usual standard. He is four shots behind the leader, which highlights the challenging conditions at Royal County Down. While he is still in contention, the question remains whether he has the energy and focus to mount a serious challenge for the title.
What's Next for Lowry?
The Irish Open is a crucial event for Lowry. It is an opportunity for him to perform well in front of his home crowd and to potentially add another title to his impressive resume. However, Harrington's concerns about Lowry's fatigue are a significant factor to consider.
Only time will tell if Lowry can overcome his fatigue and deliver a strong performance at the Irish Open. His ability to adapt to the challenging conditions at Royal County Down will be key to his success. The next few days will provide a valuable insight into his current form and whether he can bounce back and contend for the title.
This event is a crucial test for Lowry, who will be aiming to prove Harrington wrong and showcase his ability to perform under pressure. It will be interesting to see if he can muster the energy and focus to make a run at the title, or if the fatigue will ultimately hinder his performance.
