After completing his commitments in San Antonio, Texas Shane Lowry’s full attention now turns to his next tournament and a maiden Masters appearance.
Lowry left the Lone Star State pleased to have played all four rounds of the Valero Texas Open despite posting a pair of 74s and a pair of weekend 75s.
It handed the Carton House golfer a 10-over par tally and an eventual share of 59th place and some 19 shots behind Texan Jimmy Walker who was just a handful holes shy of capturing a second PGA Tour title this season.
Lowry was returning to his rented house on the Lake None estate in Orlando and after a few days rest will be joined on Thursday by his long-time coach, Neil Manchip before the pair head north to Augusta, Georgia on Sunday.
Shane Lowry signs autographs after his final round and is now bound for a maiden Masters. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“I played okay actually but just putted poorly but while it was a tough four days in the wind I didn’t gain as much confidence as I would like,” said Lowry.
“But in saying that it’s a tough golf course and you only have to look at the leader board as there’s less than 10 guys under par.
“Though the good thing is got to play four rounds and after taking a couple of days off I will hit the range on Wednesday at Lake Nona.
“My next competitive round is on Augusta National and it’s now even more exciting and something that I have been looking forward to for so long.
“So I will use the last few days of this week working with Neil and focusing on what we need to work on.
“My putting was a little poor but on the flip side me chipping was quite good this week and that has to be strong for Augusta.
“So next stop is Augusta National and that sounds very exciting.”
And fellow Augusta invitee Graeme McDowell has been given the green light to tee up in the Masters with doctors saying the peroneal tendon strain in his left ankle should be well healed.
