Shane Lowry will return to the BMW PGA Championship later this year to defend the title he won in dramatic fashion at Wentworth Club last season.
The 2019 Open Champion became a two-time Rolex Series winner after edging out Ryder Cup team mates and fellow Major winners Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm to end his wait for a BMW PGA Championship victory last September.
The Irishman didn’t drop a shot all week at the prestigious Surrey venue, sinking a birdie at the last for a final round 65 and a 17 under total, but he faced an anxious wait as McIlroy, in the group behind, gave himself an eagle putt at the 18th which would have forced a play-off.
McIlroy’s 23-foot effort just stayed above ground, and he signed for a 67 to finish in a tie for second alongside Rahm, who had set the target with an impressive ten under par round of 62 earlier in the day, leaving Lowry to celebrate his first victory at an event he loves, and where he had previously recorded nine top 20 finishes.
It was a timely triumph for the six-time DP World Tour winner in the first week of qualification for the 2023 European Ryder Cup team, with a second appearance in golf’s greatest team contest in his sights.
“As I said last year, the BMW PGA Championship is a tournament that I love, and it was right at the top of the list of events that I wanted to win,” said Lowry. “I had come close a few times in the past, so getting my hands on that trophy at last was a great feeling, and I can’t wait to get back to Wentworth as defending champion.
“It was also pretty special to become a multiple Rolex Series winner, and to get off to a great start in Ryder Cup qualification, so it’s fair to say that it was a memorable week and I’m looking forward to doing it all again in September.”
