Shane Lowry is determined to use the US Open to push on and become one of the best players in the world.

The Clara star, 24, might be 172nd in the rankings but he sees no reason why he can’t follow in the footsteps of Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, the world No 1 and No 2.

Hailed as the man who inspired the current European golfing resurgence with his major wins, Padraig Harrington will make a pit stop at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend as he ponders the biggest challenge of his career.

Set to fall out of the world’s top 50 for the first time since March 2000, the 39-year old Dubliner can’t bear to be out of action when he should be honing his game and battling to remain relevant as a major player.