Lowry extends lead to four on home soil

Shane Lowry will take a four-shot lead into the final round after wowing the crowds with another spectacular performance on day three of the Amgen Irish Open to put himself in pole position to win his home event for a second time.

Lowry started the day three strokes ahead but was caught at the summit by playing partner Jacob Skov Olesen as they reached the turn at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Doonbeg, Ireland.

But, roared on by bumper crowds, the Irish Ryder Cup star caught fire on the back nine, combining birdie putts with a series of clutch par saves to go four clear at the summit and reach 16 under par with a 65 that contained six birdies and a single bogey.

Olesen was Lowry's nearest challenger on 12 under after carding an eagle and three birdies on the front nine before making eight straight pars and a closing bogey.

With US President Donald Trump watching on, Lowry and Jacob Skov Olesen opened up a big gap between themselves and the chasing pack, with their next closest competitor Joaquin Niemann on nine under.

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