Shane Lowry, and after gifting a spectator $100 to buy her umbrella on the eve of the event, has virtually regainged his PGA Tour card for the 2019/20 season in sharing second place at the RBC Canadian Open.
Lowry has jumped 65 places to 54th on the FexEx Cup points table thanks to a final round 67 before being joined on 15-under par by Webb Simpson who chipped-in from off the green in birding his closing two holes in a score of 68 to tie the very proud Irishman in second place in suburban Hamilton.
Lowry and Simpson finished a distant second shots behing Rory McIlroy and for Lowry, it was his best finish since also sharing second place at the 2016 US Open.
“I know you were trying to win this championship, but that’s a great Sunday and a huge move up the FedExCup points list,” he said.
“The good think is that I think I more less got my card back. I think I might have won the second tournament. I don’t know what golf Rory is playing today, but it was just incredible. Yeah, very happy the way I played. Give myself a great bit of confidence going into next week.”
Having gone so close in capturing a first Major three years ago at Oakmont, Lowry heads to Pebble Beach with a serious spring in his step and clearly that goal of a maiden Major helped by the certain assurance of winning back his Tour card.
“I’ve been happy the way my season has been going even before this week,” he said.
“Just coming in here trying to get in the U.S. Open; I’ve got that, so it’s been a good week and I’m pretty happy.”
But then if Lowry is to win the 2019 US Open this coming Father’s Day he may need to achieve that in denying McIlroy who has stormed his way into Pebble Beach favouritism in the best manner possible.
“I looked back and saw Rory was 21-under after 12. I kind of thought, we’re playing for second now. Yeah, I just tried to go about my business and I played okay,” said Lowry.
“I managed to hole a few putts and (indiscernible) got myself in trouble, and I’m very happy with my result.
“It’s going to be a tough golf course next week. It’s U.S. Open. I’m excited to be going there, and, yeah, I’m playing okay, so I’m happy.
“It’s been great. Hamilton Golf & Country Club here has been great. I stepped on the first tee on Tuesday morning when I went out to play and I loved it straightaway.
“Yeah, I’ve enjoyed my week here. Like I said, looking forward to getting onto Pebble Beach now.”
