Shane Lowry wins prestigious WGC-Bridgestone event
Sport

Shane Lowry wins prestigious WGC-Bridgestone event

IRISHMAN Shane Lowry has enjoyed a career-best win by landing the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

The Offaly native carded a final round score of 66 on Sunday, finishing 11 under par overall, two shots clear of runner-up Bubba Watson.

Lowry is the third Irishman to win the prestigious tournament after Darren Clarke (2003) and Rory McIlroy (2014). As the winner of the event at Firestone, he takes home a cheque for $1.5m.

Consistently good putting under pressure paved the way for Lowry’s victory, as well as two world-class recovery shots on holes 10 and 18 on the final day.

Lowry is yet to win a Major but can now be considered among the elite golfers in the world, such is the tournament's stature.

Following the victory, he said: “It’s hard to believe. I played good today. I was nervous there towards the end, but I made a couple of good decisions and got a bit of luck too.

“I’ve doubted myself this year when things haven’t gone my way, but to come out the other end, it’s nice.

“There’s a party on at home this evening, my brother, my fiancee, my parents and my granny. It’s great for me, my family, and everyone who’s supported me over the years.”