Why should Shane Lowry be in the Ryder Cup team? Let him tell you

Shane Lowry says criticism over his inclusion in the 2023 European Ryder Cup team 'didn't sit well with me'. 

The 2019 Open champion will be playing in his second Cup in a few weeks' time. 

Lowry was one of Padraig Harrington's captain's picks at Whistling Straits two years ago and this year Luke Donald too will also lean on his experience. 

His debut, whilst it boasted some memorable moments, didn't go to plan. 

Team Europe were obliterated and Lowry later revealed the fan abuse went beyond the pale. 

By Lowry's own admission, he has not had the best campaign, but he still believes he deserves to be in the side on merit. 

Speaking ahead of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, Lowry offered a full explanation why. 

"[I] need to be careful here," Lowry said, before adding: 

Lowry said he doesn't feel like he needs to prove anything this week at Wentworth. 

The Irishman has already been to Rome with the rest of Team Europe for a Marco Simone Golf & Country Club recce. 

Lowry's takeaway was that there were 'no surprises' and the rough, as expected, is particularly brutal. 

"I only lost one [ball] so I was happy," Lowry joked. 

 

 

 

 

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Perhaps Lowry also gave an insight into Donald's thinking by revealing he played with Bob MacIntyre, Sepp Straka and Justin Rose. 

He continued: "I think I'm not going to be afraid of anyone that comes to stand on first tee in two weeks' time.

"I think I'll be good for the rookies. I think I'll be good for team morale or in the team room.  I think, you know, I'll be passionate. I'll show my emotions.  I'll enjoy myself. 

"You know, I told the lads yesterday, I think for me, the way I look at it is like, you know, we're all sitting around last night and I said, look, for me, the way I'm looking at this Ryder Cup is you never know when it's going to be your last so you want to make the most of it.  That's kind of how I look at it." 

In other Ryder Cup news, captain Donald has revealed details of a conversation he had with Sergio Garcia only a few weeks ago. 

Garcia fell out of favour with his home circuit after signing up to play in LIV Golf events. 

The Spaniard resigned his DP World Tour membership earlier in the year and therefore is ineligible for this year's Cup. 

Along with Garcia, Europe will be without their stalwarts Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter. 

In recent comments, Rory McIlroy said it will be 'weird' without familiar faces but he's looking forward to making new bonds. 

Read more:

• Zach Johnson stuns reporter with wisecrack about Justin Thomas and Max Homa
• Exploding the myths of Ryder Cup captain's picks: How key are they, really?!
• "SAVAGE!" Europe start Ryder Cup mind games early vs USA with "brutal" post!
• A controversial rule will be in effect at the Ryder Cup! Here's an explainer...

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