World number 33 Lowry missed the cut at Hoylake in 2023 and has not posted a top-10 at the Open since his memorable triumph on the Northern Irish coast five years ago.

But he has put himself in a strong position after two rounds at Troon having effectively navigated the elements which are in stark contrast to the benign conditions which allowed him to shoot 62 at Valhalla at the US PGA Championship in May.

Like at Portrush, where he finished six shots clear of Tommy Fleetwood, Lowry has drawn great support from the crowd, which he says has helped fuel his challenge.

“It does [feel like Portrush] but I’m trying not to think about it too much,” added Lowry, whose last individual title came at the BMW PGA Championship in September 2022.

“There’s an amazing Irish crowd out there and there’s a lot of support. I’m being cheered on to every tee and green and I’ve enjoyed it.

“Walking down the last hole was as good as it gets, it’s the greatest walk in golf and holing that birdie putt was the icing on the cake.

“If I can’t enjoy these last two days, why am I playing the game?”