Shane Lowry admits that he is the life and soul of the European team room at this week’s Ryder Cup but insists he will do more than just bring good vibes at Bethpage Black as he looks to join Irish Ryder Cup folklore.
Irish golf has been central to all four of Europe’s away successes in the Ryder Cup, particularly the famous winning putts of Philip Walton and Eamon Darcy. Christy O’Connor Jr and Paul McGinley have also provided home heroics at the Belfry.
All unheralded playing careers compared to that of 2019 Open champion Lowry but all provided memories to last a lifetime. Lowry would like to deliver another crowning moment for Irish Ryder Cup golf as Europe bid for a first victory on US soil since 2012.
“We’ve been watching all the videos in the team room this week of, Oak Hill and Philip Walton and Christy Jr and McGinley at the Belfry and Eamonn Darcy as well,” said Lowry who was in the shake up to secure the winning point in Rome during a classic singles tie with Jordan Spieth before Tommy Fleetwood took the acclaim.
“All the great Irish golfers have all had a big part to play in the Ryder Cup and I hope to maybe add to that this week.”
Since Ian Poulter exited the Ryder Cup stage left after the record breaking loss of 2021, Lowry has been dubbed as the new heartbeat of Team Europe.
He was the shining light of a dismal time in Whistling Straits while his passion whether he is playing or not has been infectious, but he knows being passionate means he can’t be a passenger.
“I think I bring good energy, good vibes and a sense of light-heartedness to the team.
“Over the last two weeks I’ve never laughed so much in my whole life. That’s no good to anyone if I don’t get any points!”
Lowry is an emotional player anyway and he has been one of the more open European players about his Ryder Cup aspirations, even Adare Manor in 2027 is on the back of his mind this week.
“I have thought a lot about it over the past few weeks.
“It’s important not to give the crowd too much to cling on to but also important to be yourself.
“I think what got me here is being myself and I think I have to be the best version of myself this week.
“If my emotions do come out, it will be a good thing in certain ways. I feel like I’m ready to deal with that.
“This is what I practice for. This is what I live for.
“I’ve wanted this since we finished on the 18th green in Rome. My other goal is to be sitting here Sunday evening with the trophy.”
This will be Lowry’s third successive Ryder Cup appearance, all coming as a wildcard. In 2021 European fans weren’t allowed to travel Stateside meaning they were reliant on a handful of locals to bring the away support.
Much has been made of potential abuse hurled at the European side from the New York crowd but Lowry can expect plenty of love and Offaly flags from what should be a strong Irish support from the Big Apple.
“I think there’s a lot of Irish people, there’s a lot of European that live in and around New York.
“Hopefully they can be as loud as they can and we can give them something to cheer about. It’s up to us to do that.”
