‘I can't be coming to talk to you guys straight away. I don't agree with it’ - Gutted Shane Lowry reopens media debate

Shane Lowry, of Ireland, reacts after missing a putt during the third round at the Masters in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Shane Lowry was bitterly disappointed to see his Masters hopes severely dented by a bogey-bogey finish and fuming to be asked about Rory McIlroy's early charge rather than his incredible bid for Augusta glory.

Playing some of the best golf of his career, the world number 13 fought hard to keep an inspired McIlroy in his sights throughout the third round before two closing bogeys saw him sign for a 72 that left him seven shots adrift.

It will take something extra special from the Clara man to don the green jacket now as McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau go head-to-head in the final group.

But his post-round interview reopened the debate about sports people being asked to lay their souls bare immediately after the emotional rollercoaster of top-level competition.

"Yeah, I felt like I let a really good day go there at the end, so I'm obviously disappointed," Lowry said. "But just have to pick myself up and get some rest tonight and get after it tomorrow.

"Late tee time here on Sunday, obviously a few back from the leader, but I'm in a nice position, and things can happen around here."

Then came the question that drew Lowry's ire and brought back thoughts of Collin Morikawa, who brushed off the media after losing the Arnold Palmer Invitational and said in his next media appearance that he didn't feel he had a duty to speak immediately after a disappointment and "doesn't owe anyone anything."

"Did you find yourself looking back at all at Rory?" an American reporter asked Lowry.

"No," Lowry said. "No, I'm not going to stand here and talk about Rory for 10 minutes. I'm trying to win the tournament, as well. I know that's what y'all want me to talk about, but I've just had a shit finish, I've got a chance to win the Masters tomorrow, and I'm going to go hit some balls."

He went on to talk about hitting his three-foot par putt too hard at the 17th, feeling uncomfortable with his driver but still loving the thrill of the chase.

"It's where you want to be," Lowry said. "It's what you want to do. It's what you live for. But I want to win this tournament, so I'm pissed off."

Lowry was not writing himself off, adding: "It's just a very unfortunate finish. I'm very disappointed. But that's this game. If I play the way I can play, I'll be there or thereabouts tomorrow.

"It's a lot of pressure out there. It's a tough environment. Yeah, but it's where you want to be. It's what we practice for. It's the reason we get up in the morning."

He spoke of pain too.

"Yeah, a lot of pain," he said. "Especially those last two holes. I enjoyed every bit of today and then I hit that putt on 17 and I couldn't believe it. I thought I did great holing one back and then just hit a very poor tee shot on 18."

He went to leave the podium but stopped to make a final point about being interviewed so soon after a tough day.

"I'm going to go and... we talk about Collin Morikawa a few weeks ago," he said. "I think we need time. I think I need a half an hour now to sit there and gather my thoughts.

"I can't be coming to talk to you guys straight away. It shouldn't be happening. I don't agree with it.

"Tennis players have to talk to the media, but they have a half an hour or hour before they have to do it. I feel like we should have the same thing. That's how I feel.

"I'm probably going to say something stupid. I probably already have said something stupid because I'm pissed off right now. I'm just going to leave, okay?"

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