$1million birdie

Golf ace Lowry wins in desert

GOLFER Shane Lowry bagged over $1million after a string of birdies secured his first title in four years.

The 31-year-old celebrated with daughter Iris and wife Wendy after sealing victory at the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

He admitted he needed “mental strength” to make a comeback after falling behind.

Lowry said: “I thought I was gone,

I really did. I didn’t think

I had that in me today. Oh

God, I’m so happy. It means everything.

“I woke up a couple of times last night, I could visualise my little one running around Augusta in a boiler suit caddying in the par three competition. That’s how mental this game is.”

Co Offaly ace Lowry claimed the crown with a birdie to beat South African Richard Sterne by a single shot, finishing on 18 under after four days.

Little Iris ran on to the green to hug him after the win, which saw him scoop $1,166,660. The victory brings him back inside the top 50 in the world golf rankings.

He had held a three-shot lead overnight from Sterne but found himself behind heading into the turn after his rival’s stunning front nine of 31.

Despite falling four strokes behind, back-to-back birdies on the back nine and a few mistakes from Sterne brought the pair level through 16.

Lowry saved par on the 17th, holing out from 12 feet to ensure they were matched going down the last. After Sterne hung his second out to the right at the par five 18th, he fired a three wood from 281 yards into the centre of the green.

Sterne failed to get up and down from his difficult position, and Lowry two-putted for a birdie, claiming a one stroke victory in his first win since the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in 2015.

Joost Luiten took third spot on 15 under after a stunning final day 65.

DADDY COOLShane Lowry celebrates with family in Abu Dhabi yesterday -18 Lowry’s winning score that takes him from 75 in world rankings to top 50 JOY Iris and Wendy with Shane