Ireland’s Shane Lowry intends drawing on management stable mate Rory McIlroy’s enormous popularity to compete more in the States in 2013 should he break into the world’s top-50.
The current No. 52 ranked Lowry took another step in achieving that goal carding a two under par 70 in cold and wet conditions on the first day of the Volvo Champions event in Durban.
Shane Lowry is looking for Rory McIlroy’s help in playing more on the PGA Tour in 2013. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Lowry, who had five birdies in his round, needs only a decent finish along the Indian Ocean shoreline to break into the 50 and the huge reward of competing at Augusta National.
“I’m quietly confident if I keep playing the way I was at the end of last year it will happen and I will qualify for the Masters before the final cut-off point in March,” said Lowry.
“At this stage I have qualified for the WGC Match-Play championship next month so there’s big World Ranking points on offer there, as well.
“But if I do get myself inside the top-50 before the Match-Play I will speak with Rory about the possibly of getting a few invites in the States between the Dubai Desert Classic and the Volvo World Match-Play in Bulgaria in mid-May.
“So if I am top-50 I will play the WGC – Cadillac Championship at Doral, the Shell Houston Open, the Masters and the Players Championship.
“And hopefully I can get a few invitations on the back of Rory to play in a few other PGA Tour events before the Match-Play in Bulgaria.”
Lowry has not competed since being hospitalised in Dubai last November and diagnosed with shingles.
It meant missing out on the season-ending DP World Tour Championship and ending 2012 just short of his Masters goal.
“I am happy enough to start my New Year with a birdie at the last for a score of 70,” he said.
“But I have to say it’s highly unexpected as I’ve done hardly any practice over the winter as I didn’t play that much purposely so that I would be hungry coming back out this week.
“I had a great Christmas and a great New Year and then went out to Dubai for a week’s practice under Justin Parsons from Northern Ireland who is at the Els Club, and who is working with Rory this week, before coming here to Durban.
“Also it’s good to come straight out and play well after having been in hospital in Dubai last year what with shingles and to miss out on playing in final event of the year.
“Thankfully, I’m over that and I’m feeling very well and very much looking forward to the year.”
