Shane Lowry finally got his hands on the prestigious Association of Golf Writers (AGW) trophy and promised it would not be the last time he won it.

The Open champion spent a long time admiring the names of the previous winners after being presented with the trophy by AGW committee member David Facey before tee-up at this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates course in Dubai.

Shane Lowry proudly holds aloft the AGW ‘Golf Writers’ Trophy ahead of this week’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic. (Photo – Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

“It’s a lovely trophy and a great honour, but looking at the names of the guys who’ve won it before me I see my fellow Irish Rory McIlroy there three times, and Padraig Harrington twice”, said Lowry.

“So, I’d better win at least once more to get some sort of parity – although three more would be better so I could have the Irish bragging rights!”

Shane Lowry proudly holding the AGWs ‘Golf Writers’ Trophy. (Photo – Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

Lowry won the top AGW’s top award on the back of his stunning six shot victory in the 2019 Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

The trophy is normally presented at the AGWs annual dinner held during the week of the Open Championship.

Open Champion Shane Lowry admiring the names on the AGWs ‘Golfer of the Year’ trophy. (Photo – Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

However, the cancellation of last year’s Open, and the continued disruption caused by the coronavirus restrictions and with the trophy within an office in a totally ‘closed’ London office due to UK working restrictions, meant this week was the first opportunity to actually present Lowry with the gleaming trophy.

The Association of Golf Writers ‘Golf Writers’ trophy was first presented in 1951 and with Lee Westwood last year setting an AGW record in becoming the fourth recipient of the award.