The amusing reason why Shane Lowry never plays first PGA Tour event of the season

There are few notable absentees from the first event of the brand new PGA Tour season. 

Former Open champion Shane Lowry is one golfer that decided to skip The Sentry in Hawaii this week. 

It's an interesting choice, considering the prize money on offer at the Plantation Course in Kapalua. 

But the prospect of making a 20+ hour journey to paradise and needing to shoot an incredibly low score to even contend didn't appeal to Lowry. 

Especially after what one assumes to be a Christmas fuelled by pints of Guinness. 

The golfer explained his decision not to play this week to Skratch's Dan Rapaport. 

He said: "Me, coming off the holidays in Ireland, flying 25 hours, needing to shoot 30-under?"

"No, I don't think so."

Lowry was correct about the scoring. 

Hideki Matsuyama set a 54-hole scoring record. 

The Japanese star rattled in 11 birdies in round three to sign for an 11-under 62 and sit atop the leaderboard on 27-under with 18 holes left. 

The 32-year-old could have equalled the course record with a long eagle putt at the 18th but took two putts for the final birdie of his round.

Collin Morikawa also carded a 62 on Saturday to trail Matsuyama by one with 18 holes left. 

Fans of Lowry will have to wait until the Dubai Desert Classic over 16-19 January to see him in action in 2025. 

Lowry is not playing next week's Hero Cup. 

Which other players have skipped The Sentry?

Scottie Scheffler

The World No.1 suffered a puncture wound to his right hand over Christmas. 

The freak accident happened when he was serving dinner to his family. 

Scheffler needed surgery to remove shards of glass from his hand and it is hoped he will make his first start of 2025 at The American Express.

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy has only ever played The Sentry once, in 2019, opting to start his season every year in the Middle East. 

Jordan Spieth

The American is recovering from surgery on his wrist. 

His caddie, Michael Greller, is on the bag for Max Homa this week. 

Tommy Fleetwood

Like McIlroy, the Englishman prefers to start his season in the Middle East.

Fleetwood will play his first event of the new season when he represents GB & Ireland in the Team Cup. 

Tom Kim

The South Korean did not qualify for The Sentry. 

Rickie Fowler

Neither did the PGA Tour fan-favourite Fowler. 

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