Shane Lowry’s thrilling win in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational late on Sunday night should prove a defining moment in the Offaly man’s career.
Victory at Firestone has moved Lowry up to 19th spot in the world as well as earning him a three-year PGA Tour exemption, a place in the 2016 US Masters and a tidy €1.4 million in prize money.
Heading into the tournament Lowry was ranked 48th but his win has seen him climb 29 places and he is now Ireland’s second highest golfer in the rankings after Rory McIlroy.
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Well done to @ShaneLowryGolf amazing performance...... Brendie Lowry is some Sire! https://t.co/81nWcVfblI
— AP McCoy (@AP_McCoy) August 9, 2015Well done to Shane Lowry! Fantastic performance on a brilliant golf course!! #irishwinner #gettingbetter
— Darren Clarke (@DarrenClarke60) August 9, 2015Great playing @ShaneLowryGolf!!
— Rickie Fowler (@RickieFowler) August 10, 2015World number one Rory McIlroy won the WGC-Invitational in 2014, and by winning the tournament, which is one of the elite competitions just below the year’s four Majors, Lowry has cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with.
As the new world number 19 held a birdie putt on the 18th to give him a two shot lead over two-time Masters winner Bubba Watson there were brilliant scenes in his hometown of Clara, with a packed Esker Hills Golf Club clubhouse celebrating his win.
Elsewhere the great and good of golf were congratulating Lowry on his three-stroke win, with world number seven Rickie Fowler and 2003 winner Darren Clarke among those tweeting the 28-year-old.
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