Shane Lowry’s Spectacular Rise at WGC-Dell Match Play 2023
Shane Lowry’s remarkable journey at the WGC-Dell Match Play 2023 unfolds with a standout 9-under 62 round, propelled by putting tips from Luke Donald. Learn how Lowry’s revamped practice routine and mental drills have elevated his game, positioning him for potential victory.
Reigning Champion Lowry Surges into Contention at WGC-Dell Match Play 2023
Louisville, KY – May 18, 2023 – Shane Lowry made a major statement on moving day at the PGA Championship, firing a blistering 9-under 62 to vault into contention at Valhalla Golf Club. The Irishman’s record-tying round immediately caught the eye of his Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald, who offered his fellow European some invaluable putting advice just two weeks prior.
Lowry, who has struggled with his putter at times this season despite a pair of top-5 finishes, credited his newfound putting success to the guidance provided by Donald. The Englishman taught Lowry a series of “top secret” drills focused on building mental fortitude and a confident stroke.
“I worked with him for an hour and a half, not on fundamentals of putting, but I focused on the kind of drills that I thought would give me some mental strength… speed drills, holing out drills — that’s how to create a little bit of pressure when you’re practicing,” Donald said.
The putting clinic appears to have paid immediate dividends, as Lowry gained nearly six shots on the field with his flat stick on Saturday, holing an impressive 160 feet of putts, including a pair of long-range bombs. His blistering 29 on the front nine propelled him into a tie for fourth, just two shots behind the co-leaders, Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.
“I’ve sort of changed up how I’ve been practicing the last two weeks,” Lowry revealed. “Getting away from the technical side of it and just trying to hole putts and doing a lot of drills.”
Now firmly in the mix at the WGC-Dell Match Play, the 2019 Open Champion is eyeing his second major title. Lowry knows the pressure that comes with leading on Sunday, having prevailed by six shots at Royal Portrush four years ago. However, the circumstances this time around are vastly different, with the Irishman chasing instead of protecting a lead.
“I’ve been fortunate to do it before, and to win one is pretty good, but to win multiple, you’re kind of on a bit of a different level,” Lowry acknowledged.
As the final round approaches, Lowry’s newfound putting prowess, combined with his ball-striking refinements made on the driving range, have the 2019 Open Champion primed for a Sunday charge at the PGA Championship.
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