PORTRUSH, United Kingdom (AFP) — Shane Lowry said he believes his timely break from competitive golf will provide the perfect preparation for his bid to win a second British Open title at Royal Portrush.

The 38-year-old Irishman opted not to take part in the Scottish Open last week and instead took the opportunity to casually play some of the best courses on offer in his country.

Lowry played at Portmarnock, The Island, Baltray, Waterville, Old Head and Adare Manor, a revitalizing experience ahead of this week’s pressure-packed British Open.

“It’s been an amazing couple of weeks. I haven’t been home to Ireland since Christmas, so it’s nice to be back home and I feel a bit rejuvenated and ready to go again,” he told reporters.

“I played too much golf — nine of 11 weeks — leading into the US Open and that got the better of me. That’s my own fault. I’ve had a couple of weeks to take a step back and I do feel ready.”

“I played well the last two days so that’s not good. Sometimes when everything is going really well, I get complacent then I’m three-over through five and have a panic.”

“When things are not going well, I’m at my best. I just need to play badly for a few days and everything will be alright!”

A huge mural commemorating Lowry’s 2019 victory at Royal Portrush was unveiled a year ago on the side of a house just half a mile from the course.

The modest Lowry, still searching for his second major title, joked he was pleased the house he is staying in this week was in the opposite direction so he won’t have to drive past it every day.

“When I won here in 2019 it was very special and it was an amazing day for the country and everyone around me, but it didn’t change me as a person,” he said.

“When the mural was put on the wall I didn’t think I was immortalized. I’m just myself, I’m just okay at golf and I’ve gotten to achieve what I did in the sport.”