Lowry pledges self-imposed booze ban at St Andrews

St Andrews - Open champion Shane Lowry insists he'll be sinking putts and not pints in this week's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

The Guinness-loving Irishman ended up with a massive hangover after several nights of partying in the aftermath of him lifting the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush in July.

But now the 32-year-old has pledged a self-imposed booze ban for this week at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

"I'm taking it seriously and while I may well go down to the Jigger Inn for a drink with the lads, it'll only be Diet Coke."

Lowry tees off in Thursday's first round on Carnoustie's 10th hole in the company of South Africa's Justin Harding whose partner in the separate pro-am competition is Vinnie Jones, the renowned tough guy footballer who turned to acting when his career ended, often playing violent roles.