Shane Lowry Splits with Caddie Darren Reynolds After US Open, Names Dermot Byrne Replacement

Shane Lowry parted ways with caddie Darren Reynolds after missing the cut at the US Open at Shinnecock Hills last week. The split ended a three-and-a-half-year working relationship. Lowry told Sky Sports after his third round at TPC River Highlands that he and Reynolds remained good friends and had experienced some great things together, including Europe's Ryder Cup retention at Bethpage Black last September.

Lowry said he felt he needed a change on the course. He cited five-hour rounds that were quite unenjoyable at times. Dermot Byrne, who carried the bag for James Nicholas at the US Open, is now on Lowry's bag at the Travelers Championship.

Lowry described the arrangement as convenient because Byrne lives nearby. The 39-year-old 2019 Open champion enters the final round at TPC River Highlands without a top-20 finish since the Cognizant Classic. Before the event he ranked 48th in strokes gained off the tee, 26th in approach, 95th around the green, 30th tee-to-green, 53rd in putting and 28th overall on the PGA Tour.

Lowry made two double bogeys in the final three holes at PGA National to lose to Nico Echavarria. He also entered the final round at The Masters two shots off the lead but failed to break 80 on Sunday for the second consecutive year.