Masters win on Lowry agenda

SHANE Lowry believes the only thing which could come close to topping his Open triumph would be winning the Masters.

Lowry claimed his first Major title at Royal Portrush in July and now has his sights set on winning the European Tour’s Race to Dubai as he returns to action in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

And when it comes to more long-term goals, the 32-year-old would love to become the first Irishman to slip on the green jacket given to winners of the Masters at Augusta National.

“Golf is funny because if you don’t win a Major people ask when you’re going to win one. You win one, then they ask you when you’re going to win your next one,” Lowry said with a smile.

“Thankfully we don’t have another Major for a while but I think the only thing that could come close to doing what I did in Portrush would be a green jacket.

“That’s obviously the next Major but I’m not the type of golfer that tries to peak for certain weeks. So I don’t see myself trying to peak for Majors.

“I just see myself picking out my schedule and trying to compete in as many tournaments as I can, try and win as many as I can, If it somehow happens to be the week of a Major, all well and good and I’ll take it from there.”

Asked which of the Majors represents his best chance of more success, Lowry added: “My record is probably best in US Opens, so I think I could do all right in those. I’ve not got a great record around Augusta. I’ve always struggled with my driving for some reason.

“If I’m playing good, it doesn’t matter what course I’m on. I think over the years I’ve played every type of golf course well.

“To win Majors you need to be holing those sixfooters for par and you need to be getting out of trouble when you’re in trouble. You need to have your full A game mentally and physically to win them.

“Hopefully, I’ll put myself in the position to maybe win another one.”

JUSTIN Rose is an injury doubt for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth due to a knee injury. He has withdrawn from today’s pro-am.

Shane Lowry would love to wear the green jacket.

Douglas Fisher (above) holed his 6-iron tee-shot at the par 3 fourth hole at Ballumbie. It was witnessed by Willie Brown, Ron Beaton, Craig Lenahan and Ian Nairn.