Shane Lowry, pictured at The Open this summer, is just two shots off the lead in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship following a course record equalliing 64 at Carnoustie. Picture Eoin Clarke www.golffile.ieLow expectations can sometimes help a player and they certainly worked for Shane Lowry who shot a course record equalling 64 at Carnoustie to move into contention for a win that could catapult him into the world’s top 50.

Damien McGrane gestures at marshals during the Wales Open. Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.ieProfessional golfers live in hope of that one big week that washes all the disappointment away. Damien McGrane finally had his at the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

Damien McGrane acknowledges the crowd after a birdie two at the 13th. Picture: David Lloyd / www.golffile.iePaul McGinley crashed out of contention but Damien McGrane’s one under 70 left him within touching distance of a card-saving result - over even his first win since 2008 - in the ISPS Handa Wales Open.

Shane Lowry leads the Irish challenge following a gutsy second round fightback at Carton House. Picture: Fran Caffrey / www.golffile.ieShane Lowry cast himself in the role of Irish Open messiah once more when he finished with a roof-raising brace of birdies to ease the pain of a major exodus by Rory McIlroy and the rest of Ireland’s Big Five at a wind-blown Carton House.

“I’m with the dummy”Plastic Donal Band

Old Conna pro Donal Gleeson had at least two loyal fans cheering him on at Carton House - three if you count the dummy.

Peter Uihlein with the Madeira Islands Open trophy. ©Getty ImagesDavid Higgins and Damien McGrane failed to make in-roads in the Race to Dubai standings as Peter Uihlein claimed his maiden professional title in superb style at the Madeira Islands Open – Portugal – BPI.

David Higgins is through to the weekend in Madeira. Picture Eoin Clarke www.golffile.ieDavid Higgins hit eight birdies in a rollercoaster 69 to make the cut in the weather-delayed Madeira Islands Open – Portugal – BPI.