After the conclusion of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth yesterday, the eyes of the golfing world will quickly towards Rome ahead of the 2023 Ryder Cup next week.
The event dominates the golfing calendar every second year, with this edition at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club set to be no different.
The Americans come into this one on the back of a dominant victory at Whistling Straits in 2021, defeating their European counterparts by a record margin. While the USA boast a similarly strong team this time around, there are hopes that we will see a more competitive contest in Italy on this occasion.
Many members of the European team are coming into this one in strong form, with five of them finishing in the top seven at Wentworth over the weekend. While captain Luke Donald has a relatively inexperienced team, they will be expected to put it up to the Americans on home soil.
Shane Lowry has long been aiming for 2023 Ryder Cup
Shane Lowry is set to make his second Ryder Cup appearance in Rome, having been given a captain's pick by Donald to join the European team.
Despite being on the receiving end of a huge defeat in his debut two years ago, the Irishman admitted at the time it was the best moment of his career to be part of the event. As a result, it should come as no surprise to learn that he has been targeting this year's edition for quite some time.
Speaking to RTÉ after his 18th placed finish at Wentworth yesterday, he admitted that he has built his season around the goal to play in the Ryder Cup.
I can see a scoreboard there, there’s five of the team in the top seven today.
There’s a few more that are just behind that like myself, and I think our team is playing well and look I think we have a great team – there's no two ways about it.
I think we’ve got a great chance, I think the Americans are going to be very strong and I think there’s all the potential to be a great Ryder Cup...
That’s what it’s all about (winning the Ryder Cup). That’s what 2023 has been about for me.
I’ve got two weeks and I’m going to give it everything over the next two weeks and hopefully it’s good enough. I feel like everything is pretty good at the minute so I am excited.
Lowry has experienced some mixed form in 2023, starting the year off well only to dip in form during the summer. However, he has bounced back well in recent weeks and looks to be in good shape heading to Italy next week.
Considering his record in matchplay and team events, he will no doubt be a huge asset to the European team at the Ryder Cup.
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