Trio of US golf superstars play famous Irish links after Open Championship

Three of America’s golf giants, Smylie Kaufman, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, flew to Ireland on Monday to compete on one of the country’s best golf courses.

The famous European Club in County Wicklow was their playground as they relaxed last week after the final Major of the year.

Thomas, a two-time PGA Championship winner, produced an unusual performance at Royal Troon, mixing brilliance with absurdity to stay in contention on Saturday, but on Sunday he managed a six-over-par score as Xander Schauffele effortlessly claimed his second major title of the season.

Former Open champion Spieth was five over par, just one stroke ahead of his old friend Thomas.

Kaufman, who won the PGA Tour’s Shriners Open in 2015, has shifted his focus to the broadcasting business in recent years and did not participate in the Open last week.

All three men fell behind Irishman Shane Lowry, who put in a brave performance on Sunday but was unable to catch Schauffele.

“I just wanted to go out there today and give myself a chance,” Lowry admitted afterwards. “I promised Neil (Manchip, coach) that I would go out there – we had a great chat last night. I promised Neil that I would do one thing and go out there and fight for every shot and that’s what I did today. Unfortunately, it’s not good enough and it’s very disappointing. There are no two ways about it.”

“I had a great chance to win this Open and it’s going to hurt for a few days. But on and on, to the Olympics and try to win a medal for Ireland and then go from there.”

He continued: “You go out there, put yourself in front of everyone and do your best. Saturday afternoon was not a highlight of my career. I will probably regret those nine holes for a while, but it is what it is.”

“I’m proud of myself and how I came back today. I holed some great putts when I needed to. Even on the 17th I was pretty nervous. I thought if I can get a birdie on the last one, you never know, and I managed to leave the shot just a yard short of the hole. That’s a bit stupid. It is what it is.

“There are a lot of positives, a lot of FedExCup points to take away from it, even points for the Race to Dubai. And also a few points for the world rankings. So it’s nice.”

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