Scottsdale, AZ …
Shane Lowry heads to Pebble Beach this week staring at a third attempt to break back into the top-50 on the World Rankings after failing to rise into the elite group at the Phoenix Open.
Lowry went into the final round of only his second event of the New Year at nine under par but it was a frustrating start to the day for the World ranked No. 53 in ideal scoring conditions on the TPC Scottsdale course.
In fact, as the leading players began chipping away with birdies Lowry was clearly looking frustrated posting eight straight pars.
Shane Lowry distributes cans of Guinness at 2017 Phoenix Open
And the Clara golfer’s demeanour was not any brighter when dropped a shot at nine where he three putted.
He did birdie 10 but dropped a shot at 12 ahead of getting one back with a birdie at 13 before another birdie at 15.
But it was all boos for the Irishman when much to the disappointment of nearly 20,000 gathered around the ‘stadium’ par 16th, Lowry was 35-yards right of the green with his tee shot and then taking three to get up and down.
A day earlier he delighted those at the ‘Coliseum’ hole in handing out cans of Guinness to fans.
He finally headed from the course with a level par 71 for a share of 16th place but then was initially no mood for any conversation.
And the cause of the hurt was Lowry recording 34 putts over the final day.
It’s the second-year Lowry has contested the wildest and loudest event on the PGA Tour schedule and while it didn’t happen this week for the soon father-to-be the tournament should be on his 2018 calendar as he spoke some time after his final round.
“Generally, the week has been good as I gave myself so many chances over the four days but it was just so frustrating as it could have been so much better,” he said.
“The putter just let me down today but I felt after my first event last week at Torrey Pines it was all about getting back into the rhythm of the Tour and showing this week was just much stronger than Torrey.
“So, that’s a good sign heading forward to Pebble Beach as it’s also a venue I really enjoy.
“This week has again just been really crazy and there’s nowhere like it in the rest of the golf and as I mentioned to you earlier in the week, other events could do well to look at what they do well here at Phoenix.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my visit and it’s now going to be a part of my schedule, hopefully for a few more years to come.”
FOOTNOTE –
Lowry’s Phoenix showing has seen him remain at No. 53 in the world.
