Georgia On His Mind: Shane Lowry is U.S. Masters Bound

Shane Lowry can’t stifle the giggles. Posing for the cameras is part and parcel of life in the spotlight, of course, but the master strokesman isn’t used to being treated, as he puts it, “like a boyband member.” Or not yet at any rate...

If things go according to plan, that might change sooner rather than later. He is in good form going into what is a crucial period.
“Speaking to my coach last week,” Lowry muses, “he reckons I’m handling myself better than ever on the course, especially around the week of a big tournament.”
In the recent WGC Cadillac Championship, Lowry did well until the final round, when he shot 74.
“I played alright,” he says, “certainly well enough to do better than I did. I was a bit disappointed coming away, but that’s the way golf is. Unless you win, you’re kind of unhappy. One bad round, one back nine, even one hole can ruin your week.”
Golf is all about mental strength: to be up there among the best, you have to be able to handle adversity. One of the greatest examples is Padraig Harrington, who finally burst back into the frontline recently by winning the Honda Classic, in Palm Beach. Padraig is one of Shane’s best friends on tour – though the Offaly man is not planning to copy his mate’s approach precisely.
“Padraig is a bit different,” he grins. “Padraig does things his own way! But I’ve learned a lot from him, and continue learning. I was watching the final round of the Honda Classic, and I was saying – selfishly – I hope Padraig wins so he’ll be around the week of the Masters. That was one of the reasons I wanted him to win, because it will be good to have
him there.”
A leisurely dinner with Shane ahead of the tournament had helped to get Harrington into the right frame of mind. Now, Lowry is looking for the favour to be returned. He’s gearing up for his first trip to Augusta in search of the famed Green Jacket, and his Irish colleague has already been giving him advice.
“I don’t know what to think,” he smiles. “I’m trying not to build it up too much. Padraig said to me: ‘The Masters is everything you think it will be... and more’. I think that kind of sums it up! I’ve got a house rented for the week, and my dad and brother are coming over, along with my fiancée and a couple of my close friends.”
They’re not just going for a holiday: Shane is aiming to win.
“In a sense,” he says, “I’m treating it as though it’s just another event. I definitely won’t be going into it thinking I can’t win.”
For years, players travelled to Augusta fearing a Tiger mauling, but those days are long gone. Indeed, Lowry has moved ahead of the former World No.1 in the rankings. The thought still brings a smile to Shane’s face.
“If you had told me ten years ago that I’d pass Tiger Woods out in 2015, I’d have laughed at you! But that’s the way it is. Everyone, no matter how high they get, is going to have a fall from grace. There’ll be kids in however many years’ time who’ll pass out Rory McIlroy, or whoever it is, and they’ll be thinking the same thing. That’s just the way sport goes. But I’m only 27. In other sports, if you haven’t peaked by now, you might be looking at a downward spiral. Golf is different – hopefully I’ve got plenty of years left!”
Rory McIlroy will start as the man to beat in Georgia. He’s another one of Shane’s buddies – a part of the Irish Mafia at the top of the golfing world. But those alliances are left behind at the first tee box.
“For the 18 holes, you’re out there to compete and to win. That’s the only reason I’m there, anyway. Though I do have a lot of friends in golf, I’m not there to make friends.” He grins. “No one ever became one of the best golfers in the world by making friends.”
Why has Ireland produced such a high number of quality players?
“I think one thing we have going for us in Ireland is that golf is there for everyone,” he reflects. “If you look at America, a lot of golf is still about country clubs and rich people. There’s not a lot of opportunity for working class people to go and play. If you go to mainland Europe it’s similar. But in Ireland and the UK we’re lucky. It’s not hard to take up the sport.”
Golf isn’t Shane’s only sporting passion. He’s a dedicated GAA fan, and a season ticket holder at the RDS for Leinster rugby. He’s also keen to fill Hot Press on the music that he’s been listening to.
“Since the concert a little while back, I’ve really been into The Coronas. Every morning, that album goes on shuffle. I love Mumford & Sons too, so I’m really excited they’re back. And when I’m in the States, Hozier is on the radio every fifth song!” He laughs. “No matter what the Irish do – golf, music, cricket, rugby – it seems to be going well.”
Will there be time out of the Masters’ practice schedule to cheer on Joe Schmidt’s men against Scotland?
“Remember,” he smiles, “the last time Ireland won the Grand Slam, I won the Irish Open.”
Anybody believe in omens?