Shane Lowry Sees EurAsia Cup Selection Big Step To Ryder Cup Cap.

Shane Lowry knows all too well a good showing in the EurAsia Cup could lead to him also representing Europe in the Ryder Cup.

Lowry will be confirmed this morning UK time (TUES) by the European Tour as a member of Darren Clarke’s EurAsia European Team to tackle a Jeev Milkha Singh led Asian team next January in Malaysia.

The 10-man European Team has been chosen among the leading place-getters after Sunday’s conclusion to the Race to Dubai.

However making themselves unavailable is the likes of three-time European No. 1 Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Martin Kaymer.

Among Lowry’s Malaysian team-mates is the England foursome of Race to Dubai runner-up Danny Willett, Andy Sullivan, Matt Fitzpatrick and Chris Wood while reigning Irish Open champion Soren Kjeldsen of Denmark is one of the oldest in the side.

Shane Lowry competing in the 2008 Eisenhower Trophy at Royal Adelaide in Australia.

Shane Lowry competing in the 2008 Eisenhower Trophy at Royal Adelaide in Australia.

While Lowry has represented Ireland in the World Cup of Golf his selection will be a first in a full team event snice turning professional and also since representing Ireland, while an amateur, in the 2008 Eisenhower Trophy in Adelaide, Australia.

“If I am going to play in a Ryder Cup, and I do hope I qualify for the Ryder Cup, it would be good to have a team event under your belt and it would make it that little bit easier heading into a Ryder Cup,” said Lowry.

“Of course, playing in the EurAsia Cup could still be a bit nerve-wracking but when I looked at my schedule for early next year, and I will be playing mainly in the States, I wanted to play in the EurAsian Cup and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity.

“There’s some good lads who’ve made the European Team so it should be a great week,

Shane Lowry shaking hands with Darren Clarke at the 2011 Irish Open. (Photo - www.golffile.ie)

Shane Lowry shaking hands with Darren Clarke at the 2011 Irish Open. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

“Also when you look back probably everybody who has played Ryder Cup in recent times competed in the Seve Trophy and with that tournament no longer on the books, it is the EurAsia Cup that’s providing the experience to take into a Ryder Cup.

“So when you sit down and think about it why would you not want to represent Europe.”

And Clarke as Captain of the European Team, and also knowing Clarke so well, Lowry will be looking also for a strong showing in front of the captain leading Europe later next year into the Ryder Cup.

“I was on the same flight home from the PGA Championship in August as Darren and that’s when he first spoke to me about the EurAsia Cup but I wasn’t sure at the time if I would be playing in Hawaii at the same time,” said Lowry.

“But then I’m going to be playing in Sun City in a few weeks and then I will have five weeks off before the EurAsia Cup before going back out to Dubai for about four days and then head down to Malaysia,

“I’m not sure how many points are on offer, if I was to win all my matches then that can do no harm in Darren’s eyes,” said Lowry.

“So I am already excited about being a member of the team and I will be right up for it”.

In contrast to Lowry, Kjeldsen is no stranger to pro team competition having played in the 2009 Seve Trophy while he was a member of the winning 2010 European Royal Trophy side.

And like Lowry, the winner earlier this year at Royal County Down,

“I’m really excited to be playing under Darren’s leadership in the EurAsia Cup as I just love team competitions and it was one tournament when I was playing well this summer that I set myself a golf of making,” he said.

“Darren and I played together in Turkey and we talked a bit about it and who he thought I could partner, so I am very excited.

“And hopefully if I can impress Darren in Malaysia and I continue to play well  further into the New Year.”



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