Shane Lowry’s joy in capturing the Bridgestone Invitational has been somewhat short-lived by the European Tour’s decision not to co-sanction or afford Ryder Cup counting points to next year’s event.

The return of golf to the 2016 Olympics has meant for a completely revamped schedule on both the European and PGA Tour’s next year.

One big change is the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational will move from its traditional August date to June and two weeks following the U.S. Open and three weeks prior The Open.

The news for Lowry was as though the rug had been pulled right out from under him.

“I don’t know what I am going to do,” was his first reaction

“Being the same week as the French Open I will have to make a decision nearer the time, or at the start of next year when I set out my schedule.

“It is definitely a show of strength on the part of the European Tour.

Shane Lowry – Will he or won’t he defend the 2016 WGC – Bridgestone Invitational? (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“So it’s going to be interesting to see.  It is a bit disappointing that it clashed with the French Open though I haven’t played it for three years.

“I have no idea what I am going to do. It will be hard not to go back and defend. But it’s a Ryder Cup year and it’s going to be a difficult decision to make for everyone.

“Also who knows what Rory will do or Kaymer, Stenson and Poulter. We will see nearer the date.”

In fact, it was the 2009 French Open where Lowry made his first pay cheque as a pro earning Euro 16,800 but that hardly matters after capturing an event less than a week ago that was worth Euro 1.4m.

Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke was drawn into the growing controversy declaring his advice to anyone seeking to qualify for the Oakland Hills Ryder Cup later next year would be to contest what will also be the 100th French Open.

“If Shane or anyone came up to me asking my thoughts on whether to play the Bridgestone or French Open next year I would say France,” said Clarke.

“Of course next year with the Olympics being back in golf we all realize how difficult it has been for scheduling issues.

“So the WGC – Bridgestone has been scheduled that unfortunately clashed with the French, and I believe it’s the 100th anniversary of the French Open next year, and it’s been a mainstay event and it’s one of those unfortunate things.

“It’s all going to depend on what guys want to do.  If they’re close to qualifying on the World Ranking points or they’re also close on the Race to Dubai table, it’s going to be a tough decision.

“That could be especially so for Shane, he won his first World Golf Championship at Firestone, and he may have a decision to make come next summer.”

New European Tour CEO Keith Pelly, and starting at his first official Tour ‘spot fire’, remarked:  “The Alstom Open de France has been a staple on our Tour since 1972 and we are confident that next year’s event, with an increased prize fund alongside the current renovations to the golf course, will properly reflect the importance of the tournament alongside the 100th anniversary celebrations.”