McIlroy and Lowry fight for relevance

LIFE is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. A John Lennon lyric that has been worn smooth by use over a half-century, its relevance comes from its familiarity: eventually, we all come to recognise the truth of what he said. The corporate world of professional golf is not obvious accommodation for the sentiments of Lennon, but those words came swooping out of memory in the past week, as the seasons of Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy spluttered again. Both men have announced plans, of sorts: Lowry is going to move with his young family to the United States for the first six months of next year, in search of a balance between domestic responsibilities and the need to keep his PGA tour card. Meanwhile, McIlroy is desperately trying to rescue this campaign via his participation in the FedEx Cup.. There is always next season – until there isn’t. Neither man is old – Lowry turned 30 last April, McIlroy 28 a month later – but they are competing in a sport where the flow of young talent has never been as strong. Their goals may be different – tour cards in one case, majors in another – but their shared concern should be staying relevant. They are two of the most interesting and admirable Irish sportspeople, but serious battles await the pair of them.