Ireland’s new Open golf champion Shane Lowry is targeting a Ryder Cup debut after earning the first major victory of his career.

The 32-year-old reflected on his remarkable victory at Royal Portrush at the weekend when he won his first major title by six shots.

Lowry became the fifth player from the Republic or Northern Ireland to win a major in the last 11 years – after Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke.

And, with compatriot Harrington as captain of the European team for the next Ryder Cup in 2020, Lowry hopes for another first.

“I’ve made it known it’s (Ryder Cup) my main goal for the next 12 months, whatever time we have left,” he said.

“So hopefully the fact that Paddy, Padraig (Harrington) is captain, it would be unbelievable to play under him as a captain, that would be very special because I’m very good friends with him as well so hopefully I can pick up some points towards the end of the season and give it a good run next year.”