The Major winning duo of Shane Lowry and Martin Kaymer were full of praise for Cormac Sharvin ahead of this week’s Saudi International.
There was plenty of banter on the 10th tee when Sharvin, who is a good friend of Lowry, joined the Open Champion along with the double Major-winning German for a nine-hole practice round ahead of the tournament starting Thursday.
Sharvin, 27, gained full Tour membership off last year’s secondary Challenge Tour but waited out the past fortnight practicing in Dubai in failing to get a start in the opening two events of the Tour’s ‘Middle East Swing’.
“It was a really nice practice round with three Majors between them, so I really enjoyed it as I know Shane very well while Shane’s caddy [Bo Martin] is my cousin,” said Cormac.
“It was nice to be up-close to Major Champions and see how they play, and picked their way around the course, and also learn a few things from them.
“The great thing is Shane won the Open Championship and he defended the other week in Abu Dhabi, and he’s just a good guy and not changed one bit.
“And I felt I learnt a lot being in their company even if for just nine holes because of the way they go about their own practice, and I’m always one ready to learn.”
Lowry, making his first appearance in Saudi, was all very praiseworthy of Sharvin, who is understood to be moving to a new premises very close to the Lowry’s.
“It’s great having Cormac out here now on the Main Tour,” said Lowry.
“When I started on Tour there was 12 Irish on Tour, and now obviously there’s not as many so it’s great to see him here.
“His uncle is my caddie, so there’s a bit of added interest there. I played with him for the first time at Lahinch last year in a practice round. I was very impressed and impressed again yesterday.
“Martin and I were out to a dinner last night and Martin talked about him and said how much Cormac impressed him.
“Hopefully he’s got a bright future and he can get his season off to a good start this week and maybe have a good year and I suppose make The Race to Dubai or something would be a good season.”
IRISH TEE TIMES (Irish Time)
8.55am Cormac Sharvin
9.15am Graeme McDowell
9.35am Shane Lowry
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