Plenty of European golf fans see Shane Lowry as a sure thing for the Ryder Cup, but the Irishman himself discovered something at the Tour Championship that left him less certain.
Lowry has had another strong year on the PGA Tour and currently sits inside the automatic qualification spots for Luke Donald’s side.
However, nothing is set in stone just yet. With only one spot left to be filled automatically, he is feeling the pressure from Sepp Straka and Rasmus Hojgaard, who are both close behind in the rankings.
A good showing at East Lake should be enough to see Lowry over the line and into Team Europe. On the other hand, a steady finish this week would leave little doubt about his place.
Even so, he cannot lock up his spot this week – something he did not realise until arriving at East Lake. He spoke about it during a media session before play got underway.
Shane Lowry shares disappointment over Ryder Cup qualification news at East Lake
One way or another, Shane Lowry will be part of the action at Bethpage.
Even if he does not finish inside the top six, Luke Donald is expected to name him as one of his picks. But Lowry admitted he was frustrated after learning he cannot clinch his spot this week.
Speaking from East Lake, Lowry said: “Yeah, I only found out about that Monday. I thought I was guaranteed getting points this week. I thought I was going to be pretty much guaranteed on the team. Yeah, I was somewhat disappointed to hear that.
“But the rules were made at the start for qualifying, and that was it. I think I finished four points behind Tyrrell, which is pretty much a shot, which would have been nice.
“But obviously I don’t know what Rasmus is going to do this weekend, but it looks like he’s probably going to pass me up and I’m going to need a pick next week, so hopefully I get a nice phone call off Luke.”
He added: “Yeah, hopefully getting here shows that you’ve had a good year. It’s hard to get to the TOUR Championship. Like I’ve been playing on this tour for, this is probably my 10th season on the PGA TOUR, and it’s only my second time here, so it’s hard to get here.
“Obviously the chat is what the team is going to be like, who’s going to get picked, who’s not. This is with the guys in the locker room, obviously nothing to do with Luke or anyone.
“But yeah, I’d be fairly focused on it, that I want my game to build into it well. Obviously I’m here to do well in the FedEx Cup this week, but I’d like to build my confidence over the next few weeks, over this week, Ireland, Wentworth, then hopefully into Bethpage and help the team as much as I can.”
Shane Lowry backing himself for another Ryder Cup run
Shane Lowry’s game is built on heart, grit, and a stubborn willingness to compete, even when things are not going his way.
Bethpage Black is set to be one of the most intense Ryder Cup venues we have seen in years. The New York crowd will not hold back, but that kind of atmosphere tends to suit players like Lowry. He is the type who feeds off noise rather than shying away from it.
In Rome, he delivered crucial putts, aiding Europe’s victory with his consistently effective, albeit not always flashy, play.
With Bethpage nearing, he is expected to embrace another chance to play a role for Team Europe.
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