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Lowry’s stroke of genius
27 May 2009
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Shane Lowry is looking forward to making his Tour debut at The European Open this week after announcing his decision to turn professional.
The Irishman stunned the golf world earlier this month by winning the Irish Open when playing his first ever Tour event. Lowry beat eight of the world’s top 50, including Padraig Harrington, the Open and US PGA champion, to become only the third amateur ever to land a title on the circuit.
“It’s been madness over the last couple of weeks. I’m just starting to calm down now; this is the last thing I’m going to do before teeing it up tomorrow. I just can’t wait to get out on the golf course to be honest, and it’s a lot more peaceful out there,” he said.
“I’ve known I’ve wanted to turn pro since I was about 15. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else to be honest. I didn’t fancy teeing it up in amateur tournaments again. So it was obviously the right thing to do then.”
Lowry will be facing the biggest crowds of his short career this week after Leisurecorp announced free tickets for the tournament resulting in thousands of applications from spectators. However, the 22-year-old knows now is the right time to make the step up to the professional ranks.
“I know I made the right decision, and everyone around me knows I made the right decision, so I’m happy enough,” he said.
