Ireland’s Shane Lowry was left counting the cost of two different outside the ropes distractions in letting slip victory in the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Lowry had come from two strokes behind at the start of the final round to race to the lead in a three-hole stretch mid-round including holing his second shot for eagle at the 10th in an eventual round of 68 for a share of third place on 22-under par.
Shane Lowry left lamenting two lapses of concentration in falling to a share of third place at St. Andrews. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
England’s David Howell ended seven-year winless drought to birdie the second extra play-off hole and defeat American Peter Uihlein after both players ended regulation play tied on 23-under par.
Lowry, who tied England’s Tom Lewis, secured his best finish in 50 weeks since capturing last year’s Portugal Masters and an event he will defend in a fortnight.
But after being under for his round through 11 holes the Clara golfer’s concentration lapse on 13 that led to a bogey, along with missing a three-foot putt on 15 for a second bogey, and then leaving his birdie putt short on 18 in end proved very costly.
“Just as I hit my putt on 18 I heard the crowd reaction to Peter’s (Uihlein) putt on 17 and that distracted me,” said Lowry.
“But then a camera going off on my backswing at 13 also didn’t help and then missed a short putt on 15 that also was not helpful.
“So while I am a bit disappointed I have to be happy as to finish 22-under par in any tournament, especially around these three courses, is quite good.
“I’ve fallen one shot of the play-off but I can’t really complain as it’s been a great week and this is a continuation of the good golf I’ve been playing for a while now.
“I shot four rounds in the sixties so you really can’t beat yourself up about that and beside I will collect some good World Ranking points and good Race to Dubai points.”
In fact, Lowry has jumped 18 places to 28th on the Race to Dubai.
Darren Clarke’s flash-looking 8-litre Mercedes was parked in the R & A car park allowing the him a fast exit to catch a Belfast bound ferry after securing his best finish since capturing the 2011 British Open.
Clarke birdied half of his opening 10 holes and despite dropping shots at 14 and 15 he was pleased with a share of 12th place.
“It was a great outward half and just a little disappointing to let two go there near the end but my swing is definitely moving in the right direction and my putting is a lot better,” he said.
Clarke’s next event will be on the OneAsia Tour next fortnight in China while Ryder Cup captain, Paul McGinley, who posted a final round 67 for a share of 20th place on 16-under par, is headed to this week’s Seve Trophy.
“I feel I’ve played well this but then I can’t believe the scoring as it’s been incredibly low,” he said.
“I am having a beer in Sunningdale tonight (SUN) with Sam Torrance the GB & I captain and then sit down with Jose Maria (Olazabal – European captain) on Tuesday.”
Former Dunhill Links winners Michael Hoey (73) shared 26th place on 14-under par while Padraig Harrington (71) was tied in 40th spot at 11-under par.
