Shane Lowry, BMW PGA Championship winner. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
The Irishman put in stunning final round performance at Wentworth this afternoon, capping off a fantastic 2022 by winning one of the biggest events on the DP World Tour. It's his first win since The Open in 2019 and you certainly couldn't argue that he didn't deserve it.
Lowry entered the final round two shots off the lead, with Rory McIlroy one shot further ahead.
Both men started their round off well, although it some became clear that the Clara native was primed to make a run.
Having hit more greens than anyone over the first couple of rounds, he really heated up with the putter this afternoon. This eagle effort on the fourth was only the start, going on to nail a couple more big putts from long range over the front nine.
That shot shape 😍 @ShaneLowryGolf makes eagle on the 4th to hit -13.#BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/k9FVWClmxl
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 11, 2022
A cracking shot.
By the time he putted in from close range on the 12th to take a tie for the lead, the tournament looked to be in his hands.
.@ShaneLowryGolf bunker magic 🪄
He ties the lead at -16. #BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/Tcf0dfuog8— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 11, 2022
However, he would struggle to pick up another shot during the next few holes.
Lowry teed off on the par-5 18th knowing that a birdie was needed if he was to overtake Jon Rahm for the clubhouse lead, while Rory McIlroy was also in hot pursuit just one shot back.
He showed few signs of nerves, following up a perfect drive with a beautiful second shot to set up the eagle attempt.
Step up @ShaneLowryGolf ☘️💪#BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/XPmk9sQQas
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 11, 2022
While he would miss the putt for eagle, Lowry would tap in a simple birdie putt to take sole possession of the lead. That was ultimately enough to get the job done.
SHANE LOWRY, BMW PGA CHAMPION!!! 🏆
After a stunning final round at Wentworth, the Offaly man has secured his first win since The Open in 2019. What a performance 💪 #BMWPGA pic.twitter.com/1Gs3EUoEdn— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) September 11, 2022
Shane Lowry sends LIV Golf message after Wentworth win
Shane Lowry had been critical of the presence of LIV Golf players in this week's field, believing some of them had devalued the DP World Tour by taking the place of other golfers who have played in its events week in, week out.
Speaking to Sky Sports after his win, he admitted that the controversy around the tournament made this victory all the more special.
"I'm so happy. I can't put it into words how happy I am and how much this win means to me." @ShaneLowryGolf 💬 #BMWPGA | #RolexSeries pic.twitter.com/VLpXjbIzco
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 11, 2022
It means a lot, it means a lot.
It's been a good year, but I've felt I've been close a few times. I felt like I've only got a few tournaments left this season and I really wanted to try and win one.
Obviously this one was right up at the top of the list. I love it here, I've contended in the past. Even going down the back nine today, the bad shots I've hit over the years in contention actually started to creep into my head. It's amazing what does game does.
I'm so happy. Honestly, words can't put into how happy I am, how much this means to me, how much I love this tour, and how much I love this tournament. I'm the happiest man in the world right now...
I got to -16 and I was trying to get past that, but then I had to worry about Rory [McIlroy] behind me because he could do anything down the last few holes with how good he is.
I just tried my best. I said to my coach this morning, I just need to allow myself to play golf today, I'm playing the best glof of my life and I need to allow myself to do that...
I made no secrets as to how I feel about the whole (LIV Golf) thing at the start of the week.
I wanted to go out and win this tournament for myself first and foremost, but I think for this tour and everyone has stayed loyal to this tour and done everything for this tour, I really feel like this is one for the good guys.
A well deserved victory for a real gentleman.
Here's hoping Shane Lowry won't be waiting quite as long for his next tournament win.
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