Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Lowry aims for No 1
SPORTS Irishman believes top spot will be ‘icing on the cake’
SHANE Lowry believes becoming European No 1 will be the “icing on the cake” of a season which has already produced his first Major title.
Lowry powered to an emotional victory in the Open Championship in July, the 32-year-old Irishman winning by six shots from Tommy Fleetwood in front of massive crowds at Royal Portrush.
Coupled with a win in the Abu Dhabi Championship in January, that has given Lowry the chance to win the European Tour’s Race to Dubai for the first time and he trails current leader Bernd Wiesberger by less than 700 points with remaining.
The first of those is this week’s Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya where Lowry, Wiesberger and Justin Rose, who is seeking a third straight victory in the event, are among the players chasing the 1,500 points on offer to the winner.
“It’s my main goal over the next few weeks to perform as best as I can, it would be lovely if I got to the final 18 holes in Dubai with a
three events chance to win the Race to Dubai,” Lowry said.
“To be European No 1 would be really special and would add to the year I’ve had. I think it would be the icing on the cake.
“I’m going to give it my best shot but if I don’t win it, I won’t be too disappointed. I’ve had a decent year and I’d be pretty happy with what I’ve got at Christmas.
“To start the year with a win in Abu Dhabi at a Rolex Series event was huge, that gave me the confidence going forward. Outside of a Major, as a European Tour player it probably doesn’t get much bigger. There are WGCs as well but Rolex Series events are definitely up there.
“It’s nice to be here. It’s one of those weeks where it’s a really nice week. Lovely weather, lovely golf course, great hotel.
“I know a few guys and I have families here so it’s a chilled week but there’s a lot of business to take care of as well. I’m looking forward to getting out there.”
Lowry has not been at his best since his Open win, although the world No 19 was 13th in the recent Zozo Championship won by Tiger Woods.