Shane Lowry believes the back-to-back nature of two of the DP World Tour’s most historic events provides the ideal preparation for European golfers in their quest to win the Ryder Cup.
The Irishman is one of the headline acts at this week’s Amgen Irish Open, alongside fellow Team Europe players Rory McIlroy and Tyrrell Hatton as the Race to Dubai continues its Back 9 at The K Club.
Next week will see 11 of the 12 members of Luke Donald’s side at Bethpage – with Sepp Straka the exception – tee it up at the BMW PGA Championship, when the Rolex Series will resume at Wentworth Club.
Lowry, a past champion at both tournaments, is relishing being back on European soil as he bids to land an elusive first win worldwide this year after two runner-up finishes on the PGA TOUR.
“I think it [the schedule] works well for us Europeans, because we get to come to the environment that we're essentially playing for," he said.
“I feel like, when you go play the Ryder Cup, you're playing for much more than just the 12 lads there or the caddies or the people that are there. I feel like you're playing for the Tour.
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“You're playing for a lot of other people on the outside. So, I feel like to put ourselves in that environment over the next two weeks, shows what it would mean to everyone.
“You're getting well wishes off everybody. It's not even just the Europeans on Tour, it's the other guys, the Kiwis or the South Africans. I think everyone has a want for the European Ryder Cup team to win this Ryder Cup.
“This week particularly is quite busy for me. But once I get to Wentworth next week, it will be fine.
“I'll be less busy. I'll be able to do my own thing and prepare as well as I can for that tournament.”
Named as one of Donald’s six Captain’s Picks on Monday, Lowry is set for his 17th consecutive appearance at the island of Ireland’s national open.
It was on his debut in 2009 that Lowry made history by becoming the first amateur to win the title, and he is confident his experience as a Major winner will ensure he isn’t affected by any distractions in the build up to what will be his second Ryder Cup on US soil after defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021.
“We prepare for big tournaments all the time, and you always have like bigger goals ahead,” added Lowry.
“I would love to win the Irish Open. I've been lucky enough to win one, and to win it as a pro as well would be amazing.
“I think like the big goal over the next month is to win the Ryder Cup. I think you bring it back to your day-to-day as a sportsman.”
Whenever back in his homeland, the 38-year-old receives incredible support from the crowds and he is enjoying the comforts of being at home, nearby in Dublin.
“It’s obviously an exciting few weeks ahead, starting with this week," he said.
“I think, as a golfer, as an Irish golfer, as a European golfer, I think, if I can't get myself motivated and ready and up for what's to come over the next month, starting with Thursday here, I should pack it in.
“It's good to be back here at a place I know pretty well. I get to stay in my own bed for a few days, which is nice.
“The week has been going very nice so far.”
