Shane Lowry edged closer to a first Augusta National Masters invitation in sharing second place in the Wales Open at Celtic Manor and moving to 55th on the World Rankings.
Lowry struggled early on to be one over after 10 holes before posting a one under par 70 to be tied with England’s Tommy Fleetwood on 13-under par.
Shane Lowry edges closer to a first Masters invitation with a share of second in Wales Open. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
Dutchman Joost Luiten made some amends in being overlooked for a Gleneagles ‘wildcard’ pick in carding a last day 71 to win a third Tour title by shot at 14-under par.
Luiten, 28 had finished 15th on the European Team points table but with 16th qualifier in eight-time Ryder Cup star Lee Westwood being chosen by Paul McGinley.
Luiten finished 16 shots better than Westwood who had been seven over par for his round after 14 holes before two birdies in his last four for a score of 76 and a distant share of 60th place at two over par.
“I needed to play some competitive golf and I’ve done that,” said Westwood.
“I hit a few good shots this week, not so good today, but I probably had one eye on next week. I don’t think the concentration and the focus was there.”
Gleneagles rookie Jamie Donaldson continues to impress posting a final round 67 to be among four players tied in fourth spot on 12-under par.
And Dane Thomas Bjorn’s only concern heading to his third Ryder Cup, and a first in 12 years, is his putting after shooting a 74 for a one over par tally.
Lowry went to Wales 63rd on the World Rankings and after his second bridesmaid role this season and with the Carton House golfer then moving to 55th and up eight spots.
It means Lowry is just three spots shy of his highest-ever World Ranking of 52nd in January 2013.
And with some six events still remaining in 2014 Lowry is just six spots shy of ending the year inside the top-50 and an invitation to a first Masters.
“Today’s result is another step towards that Masters goal so I’m pretty happy in that regard,” he said.
“So it’s been another great week but then Joost hung in there well and he made a great par on 17 and a great par on the last, and fair play to him. He’s a worthy winner.
“He could easily be going to Gleneagles the way he’s performed this year, but hopefully himself and myself will be on the next Ryder Cup Team.”
