LOUISVILLE, KY. When Shane Lowry captured a magical victory at the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush the celebration lasted long into the next day.
To have an Irishman win on home turf was a classical moment forever etched in the memory banks of golf fans – especially those from Ireland.
Now, five years removed from that amazing triumph the 37-year-old is looking to add another major championship to his trophy collection.
Saturday at professional events is often referred to as "moving day." This means an opportunity for those trailing to make up for lost ground and get themselves back into contention.
Starting the day eight shots behind leader Xander Schauffele, Lowry was up for the task scoring six birdies on the outward nine for a total of 29 - the lowest total ever shot for nine holes at Valhalla.
The momentum continued on the inward half as Lowry converted birdie opportunities at the 13th, 14th and 17th holes.
When he reached the par-5 18th, the easiest scoring hole at Valhalla, the goal was a simple one - finish with a concluding birdie and set the new 18-hole scoring mark with a round of 61.
Lowry's putt from 12 feet narrowly missed left. While the opportunity to place one's name in the record book in a solo manner was lost, the wherewithal to secure a second major title is now clearly present.
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Lowest score in major championship history (62) |
| -Shane Lowry, 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla GC, Round 3 (-9) -Xander Schauffele, 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla GC, Round 1 (-9)-Xander Schauffele, 2023 U.S. Open at L.A.C.C., Round 1, (-8)-Rickie Fowler, 2023 U.S. Open at L.A.C.C, Round 1, (-8)-Branden Grace, 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Round 3, (-8) |
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Lowry was aided by one of his playing partners – Justin Rose - scoring a six-under-par 65.
"Yeah, it was pretty cool out there, the two of us. He obviously had a great round, as well, and he's put himself in there tomorrow, and we both played great. It was nice to kind of bounce off each other and feed off each other the whole day."
Rose is just three shots off the lead.
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Moving day for Shane |
| Shane Lowry was T-29 on the leaderboard at the end of the second round. Over the last 25 PGA Championships, only three players moved inside the top 5 through 54 holes after being outside the top 25 through 36 holes.
-W.C. Liang, 2010 (Whistling Straits),went from T-40 to T-4; finished T-8. Lowry becomes the fourth to do so. He begins the final round just two shots off the shared lead held by Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa. |
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Last month Lowry teamed up with Rory McIlroy in claiming the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. The good vibes that came from that win were quickly derailed when Lowry played poorly – T47 – among the 69 players who competed in last week's Wells Fargo event.
Confidence can be an elusive element at the elite pro golf level and Lowry's attitude at his arrival at Valhalla was one of wondering which part of the elusive golf equation would be present.
"I feel like tee-to-green, I've been as good as I've ever been this year, and then I come out the first two days, it was probably the worst I've played in a long time, but my putter kept me going and kept me in the tournament," Lowry said.
"Then I went to the range with my coach yesterday afternoon and - it was just an alignment issue. I was set up too far left and all sorts of bad things happen for me when I do that. Fixed that, and went out there today, played with a bit of freedom, and managed to do that score. I've sort of felt all season that if could warm putter up that I could be dangerous."
Lowry's putting prowess was front and center with Saturday's third round. The only notable miss came at the 18th.
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A good omen for Lowry |
| Twelve of the last 13 PGA Championships were won by a player who was either leading or within two (2) shots of the lead at the end of 54 holes.
The exception – Justin Thomas - who came from seven back at the start of the final round at Southern Hills in 2002. |
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Lowry would like to add his name to the Wannamaker Trophy and become the second Irishman to do so in ten years – joining Rory McIlroy who won in 2014 the last time Valhalla hosted the PGA Championship.
A final round in a major championship provides a slew of opportunities but also minefields needing to be avoided. Lowry realizes what someone did the day prior has little relevance to what's needed during the remaining 18 holes.
The possibility of being in the middle of the scrum has Lowry eager for what lies ahead.
"Going to enjoy it and kind of get out tomorrow and then just try and do it again."
Irish eyes will indeed be watching closely and smiling if one of their own snares the ultimate prize.
