Shane Lowry might be a world traveler, but his heart stays close to home. This week, the Cognizant Classic at the Palm Beaches feels almost like a slice of Ireland for him as he aims to break a three-and-a-half-year victory drought.
The 38-year-old from Offaly is in fine form, boasting three top-five finishes in his last four outings at PGA National. It’s his fifth event in seven weeks, and the third in a stretch that will see him at Bay Hill and The Players.
But what really gives him an edge? Sleeping in his own bed.
Lowry shared, “This tournament is one I look forward to every year. Living here now, it’s like a home event.
Staying in my own bed, enjoying the course-it's great. I like that the rough is thicker this year.
It was too easy last year. I’m hoping for tougher scoring this time around.”
Though he teamed up with Rory McIlroy to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Lowry’s last solo victory was at the BMW PGA at Wentworth over 1,263 days ago. Since then, he’s been knocking on the door with 16 top-ten finishes. Normally, five events in a row would be a stretch, but the Champion Course at PGA National suits him well, especially now that he’s mastered the Florida grasses.
“Florida golf has grown on me,” Lowry admitted. “Initially, I struggled with the greens when I started playing here.
But after moving, I’ve learned to handle the Bermuda and Florida grasses. Now, I love tournaments like this, Bay Hill, and The Players.”
Staying in Florida for the next three weeks is a bonus, especially with his father, Brendan, visiting. Lowry explained, “If I wasn’t at home this week, five in a row would be tough.
But being here, driving to Bay Hill next week, seeing my family-it makes a difference. I get to pick up my kids from school.
It’s a nice balance.”
The PGA National field is notably weaker this year, with none of the world’s top 10 participating, a stark contrast to 2014 when seven of the top 10 were present. Lowry, ranked 31st, is the second-highest player in the field, behind Ryan Gerard.
Joining Lowry is Seamus Power, who’s looking to bounce back after missing the cut in his last four appearances at PGA National. After a two-week break, Power aims to find the form that saw him finish 11th at the Farmers Insurance Open.
Meanwhile, on the DP World Tour, Patrick Reed is eyeing his third win in four starts at the Investec South African Open Championship. “Being in South Africa for the first time is fantastic,” Reed said. “The tradition and history here are incredible.”
In other golf news, Leona Maguire is set for her second start of the season at the LPGA’s HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore. Over in Australia, Lahinch rookie Aine Donegan will make her professional debut at the Ford Women's NSW Open, alongside Anna Foster.
With Lowry feeling right at home and a field ripe for the taking, this week could be the perfect storm for him to end his victory drought. Keep an eye on how he navigates the familiar greens and the competition at PGA National.