In the leadup to the Ryder Cup, there was much debate and discussion about Luke Donald's selection of Shane Lowry on the European team.
A major champion, Lowry has not enjoyed his finest form during an at-times tricky 2023, and he was depending on a captain's pick after failing to qualify automatically through the points list.
There was criticism of Donald for selecting Lowry from some corners, with Italian Adrian Meronk particularly unlucky to miss out on selection for what would have been a home Ryder Cup.
Donald stood firm and stood by his man, and Lowry was bullish in the run-in to the competition, with both determined that Lowry had earned his place on the 12-man team on merit.
Given how the weekend unfolded, it's safe to say that both were vindicated.
Lowry earned a point and a half from three games, and was the most passionate man on the course as Europe romped to victory on home soil yet again.
As Europe basked in the glory of their win, Lowry was at the heart of the celebrations, and he was a fan favourite throughout the weekend.
Though Lowry's massive energy and enthusiasm for the Ryder Cup was evident throughout, a new clip shared by Ryder Cup Europe showed a quieter moment which summed up how much Luke Donald's faith in him had meant to the Offaly man.
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Heartwarming clip shows Shane Lowry and Luke Donald embrace at Ryder Cup
As the frenzy of Europe's victory played out at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, the Ryder Cup Europe media team captured an emotional quiet acknowledgment between Shane Lowry and Luke Donald.
Quite a tender, emotional moment here between Shane Lowry and Luke Donald, posted by the Ryder Cup Europe media team tonight.🥹pic.twitter.com/LurtimnF2I
— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) October 6, 2023
Lowry embraced the European captain, saying:
Great job. I fucking love you.
Thanks so much for trusting me. This is my dream, honestly.
Given all the talk in the buildup to the Ryder Cup, the faith shown in Shane Lowry by captain Luke Donald will have been a huge boost, and it showed in how strongly Lowry performed across the weekend in Rome.
It's clear from the above clip just how important the support from Donald was, and the Englishman was appreciative of Lowry's brilliant efforts throughout the weekend.
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