Belfast Telegraph

Daddy daycare Lowry targets massive finale

- BY PHIL CASEY

OPEN champion Shane Lowry has switched his focus from parental responsibi­lities to trying to reclaim top spot in the Race to Dubai at the Italian Open.

Lowry first headed the money list after his victory in Abu Dhabi in January and moved back out in front after claiming his maiden major title in brilliant fashion at Royal Portrush in July.

Jon Rahm’s second win of the season in the Open de Espana on Sunday took him above Lowry in the standings, but the Ryder Cup star will not play again on the European Tour until the season-ending event in Dubai.

Lowry is part of a strong field at Olgiata Golf Club in Rome for this week’s lucrative Rolex Series event and is also scheduled to play the WGC-HSBC Champions in China and either the Turkish Airlines Open or Nedbank Golf Challenge before Dubai.

“It’s probably going to come down to the last couple of events,” Lowry said.

“I watched a little bit on Sunday but, before that, I didn’t watch any of it because I just didn’t have time. My wife Wendy was away so I was on daddy daycare for a week looking after Iris.

“I want to keep challengin­g myself every day to shoot the best scores I can and win the Race to Dubai.

“That would top off what has already been an incredible year.”

Francesco Molinari won the Race to Dubai last year after also winning the Open and Lowry will partner the Italian Ryder Cup star and England’s Matt Wallace today and tomorrow in the opening two rounds.

 ??  ?? Finish line: Colin Turkington chases a fourth British Touring title for BMW on Sunday and (inset) fellow Ulster drivers Jack Young and Daniel Harper
Finish line: Colin Turkington chases a fourth British Touring title for BMW on Sunday and (inset) fellow Ulster drivers Jack Young and Daniel Harper

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