Lowry boost for Seapoint
Wednesday September 01 2010
IRELAND'S newest golfing star Shane Lowry's decision to play will add some extra European Tour sparkle to the centenary celebrations of the Ladbrokes.com Irish PGA Championship at Seapoint in three weeks' time.
The 23-year-old from Clara enjoyed a life-changing week at neighbouring County Louth last year when he memorably became only the third amateur to win a European Tour event – the 3 Irish Open.
And it was confirmed yesterday ( Tuesday) that he will make his Irish PGA Championship debut at the Seapoint links.
Fellow European Tour winner Damian McGrane and former Ryder Cup player Des Smyth, who lives just down the road, will also tee up for the 72-hole tournament, which has been won for the past three years – and six times in all – by three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington.
Tournament organisers are attempting to secure the involvement of other high-profile Irish players before the championship tees off on Thursday September 23rd, with the field competing for a e30,000 prize fund.
Lowry said: 'I am thoroughly looking forward to playing in the Irish PGA Championship. Since turning professional in May 2009 I rarely get to compete in Ireland outside of the Irish Open and obviously I love to compete here.
'Thankfully the Irish PGA Championship fits nicely into my schedule this season and I am looking forward to taking on a strong field of predominantly Irish pros.
'Seapoint is very close to Baltray where I have many fond memories, and hopefully I can add another Irish win to my list of achievements.'
Lowry's debut will certainly add some extra spice to the occasion following a year in which the former Irish Amateur champion made his major debut playing in The Open and the recent USPGA Championship.
Irish PGA regional secretary Michael McCumiskey said: 'It's fantastic that Shane Lowry, the last home-grown winner of the Irish Open, is going to take part as it is a great way to celebrate the 100th staging of the Irish PGA Championship.
'It's also great to see the likes of Damien McGrane and Des Smyth also participating in what is the pinnacle event on our schedule.'
