Shane Lowry will be one to watch in Morocco this week. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ieShane Lowry’s weekend charge for glory came up short as he finished seventh in the Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol.

But the brace of 67s the Clara man posted at the weekend will give him hope that a second European Tour victory is not far away as he embarks on just his third full season in the professional ranks.

Damien McGrane plays out of the rough on the 10th. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ieDamien McGrane is just four shots off the lead entering the final round of the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol.

But while that’s the good news, the bad news is that he is just one of 26 players within five shots of Spain’s Eduardo De La Riva at Aloha Golf Club near Marbella.

Damien McGrane on the fifth at Aloha. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ieIf Damien McGrane designed a course to suit his game, it might look a lot like Aloha Golf Club where he lies just a shot off the lead at the halfway stage of the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol.

Paul Lawrie overcame a slow start to win the Open de Andalucia in Malaga. (Photo Eoin Clarke/Golffile 2011)Scotland’s Paul Lawrie ended his nine-year wait for a European Tour victory when he claimed the Open de Andulacia thanks to a brilliant back nine performance at the Parador de Malaga.

Paul McGinley tees off on the 16th during the third round of the Open de Andalucia. (Photo Eoin Clarke/Golffile 2011)Paul McGinley goes into the final round of the Open de Andalucia chasing his first top-10 finish for 18 months.

Paul McGinley and his caddy, “Edinburgh” Jimmy Rae, line up his putt on the 18th green during the second round of the Open de Andalucia de Golf in Malaga. (Photo Eoin Clarke/Golffile 2011)Paul McGinley was the only Irish player to make the cut in the Open de Andalucia, which should come as no great surprise given the conditions.

Paul McGinley in action at the Parador de Malaga in the Open de Andalucia. Photo Eoin Clarke/Golffile 2011)Paul McGinley opened his Open de Andalucia account with a two under par 68 to lead the Irish charge with Ballyclare’s Gareth Maybin, three shots behind a quintet of leaders.

It’s a good start for a man desperate to regain some form and while the prize fund is small, the Dubliner is grateful that he at least has the chance to play a tournament on European soil.

Paul McGinley during last season’s Irish Open. He finished 14th for his best result of a forgettable year, Ryder Cup vice captaincy apart. (Picture Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)Paul McGinley knows he must regain some semblance of his old form if he is to remain a credible candidate for the Ryder Cup captaincy.

Mark Roe helps Paul McGinley with his putting during the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry.

Paul McGinley likes nothing better than a good dogfight and the tougher the odds, the better he performs.

Paul McGinley produced stunning back nine to trail leaders Paul Lawrie and Søren Kjeldsen by just three shots after the first round of the Open de Andalucia de Golf in Malaga.

I’d even fire you, Tiger.

Darren Clarke has parted company with yet another caddie as he battles to emerge from the golfing doldrums.

Paul McGinley crashed to his worst score since the turn of the century when he racked up a nightmare ten-over par 82 in the Open de Andalucia in Seville.

Damien McGrane four-putted his final hole for a triple bogey eight and a round of 74 as the Irish made a slow start in the Open de Andalucia in Seville.

Video star Peter Lawrie is all hoping for an action replay when he tees it up at Seville’s Real Club de Golf in this week’s Andalucia Open.