by Bernie McGuire, Albany, The Bahamas.
“Any chance I can also get a hug?”
A very brave question to Shane Lowry soon after he left a scorer’s hut for a final occasion this year and also after he presented signed golf balls, as is customary, to the walking scorer and marker, ahead of embracing waiting manager Brian Moran.
Lowry then made his way in my direction, and like the good journalist I am I ensured he had to pass by me to get to the clubhouse.
That’s when I bravely asked the question, I commenced this report with.
I cannot repeat (smiling) what Shane said but suffice to say I was left red faced at such colourful language.
Seriously, no and I’m only joking as no-one can be upset with Lowry, as he continues to be one of the more approachable and affable players playing golf, even after he’d just ended a maiden Hero World Challenge showing in finishing 18th at five-over in the 20-player field.
Lowry’s first appearance in the Tiger Woods hosted event was not all that pretty with four rounds in the 70s, after arriving in the Bahamas having also failed to break 70 a fortnight ago in Dubai at the DP World Tour final event.
He did not arrive till near lunch Tuesday and with Wednesday’s pro-am washed out it meant Lowry played only six holes of a course he never played before, ahead of his first round…not really the preparation he sought ahead of the $US3m event.
As Lowry mentioned on Saturday here in the Bahamas, the tank was empty and that was again mirrored in his closing round that boasted five birdies but again sticking out like the proverbial dog’s hind leg, was a 16th hole triple-bogey ‘7’.
The effort handed Lowry a share of 18h place at five-over in the 20-player field.
“Home for Christmas and that’s all I am thinking about, so excited to be getting home with the family,” said a smiling Lowry.
“I don’t think I have ever had so many bogeys and double-bogeys or whatever than these last two tournaments.
“I’m happy where my game’s at but, as I’ve been saying, I’m worn out and that’s me as I’m done ‘till Abu Dhabi next year.”
Lowry and his team had around a six-hour chilling out period ahead of boarding a mid-evening flight Bahamas local time (Sunday night) to London and then getting back into Dublin mid-Monday morning.
Looking back on his four rounds he produced – 17 birdies, 8 bogeys, four double-bogeys and a pair of triple bogeys.
LOWRY’S 2022 SEASON
Wins –
BMW PGA Championship
Best Finish in the Majors –
T3 The Masters
Other Strong Showings
2nd Honda Classic & T3rd RBC Heritage
Number Events Contested in 2022
4 Majors
1 WGC
10 ‘regular’ PGA Tour events (Including 2022/23 new season CJ Cup)
6 ‘regular’ DP World Tour events
1 other (Hero World Challenge)
Lowest round
65 – Final round BMW PGA Championship, Day three RBC Heritage. (He did shoot two 64s in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans but a team event)
Highest round
79 – Second round Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
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