Shane Lowry would consider playing in the Team Cup if Luke Donald wants his presence
The physical and mental strain of travelling between the Middle East and the USA could see Shane Lowry skip next year’s Team Cup, but if Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald wants the Irishman at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, he would have to seriously consider the possibility.
The 2019 Open Championship winner took part in last year’s edition of the Team Cup and then the Hero Cup, but a revision of the qualification process for the European Ryder Cup team could see him missing from next year’s edition.
The new qualification process is likely to favor players who play predominantly on the PGA Tour, as only one Ryder Cup points list will be valid during the 2024/2025 qualification period.
The PGA Tour Signature Events, FedExCup Play-Offs and Players each offer 3,000 points, while the regular PGA Tour events offer 2,000 points.
In comparison, the DP World Tour Rolex Series events offer 2000 points and the regular events between 1000 and 1500.
With plenty of Ryder Cup points up for grabs on the PGA Tour in January and Lowry likely only taking part in the Dubai Desert Classic if he travels to the United Arab Emirates in early 2025, he admits he is unsure whether he will play for GB&I in the second edition of the Team Cup under Justin Rose.
“I did that last time, I honestly don’t know,” Lowry replied when asked if he would play in the Team Cup.
Continental Europe won the last edition of the Team Cup
Photo credit: Gulf News
“I think the new points system that Luke, Edoardo (Molinari) and the Tour have developed has perhaps favoured rather than disfavoured guys like us, but we don’t have to chase him as much in Europe as we used to.
“Before, you had to take part in the big tournaments just to get points because you wanted to get into the team on both sides. Now, however, we get points at all the events here, which is great.
“I think it’s a great thing and I think – look, Luke just wants the 12 best players on the team. Honestly, I just want the 12 best players on the team. I just hope I’m one of them.”
Although no decision has been made regarding his participation in the Ryder Cup warm-up tournament, it is safe to say that this is not the top priority in Lowry’s schedule at the moment.
But that could all change if Donald or Rose called the six-time DP World Tour winner.
“When we get back to Europe after this week, my main focus over the next 12 months will be on building this team and trying to win the tournament,” said Lowry, who will compete in the Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship next month.
“Listen, if Luke called me and said he really wanted me to play, or Justin Rose, I don’t know, I would probably have to think about it.
“But it’s a long way to come back at the beginning of the year and compete in these big events here. It’s a tough thing for the body and the mind. Just starting the year like this is sometimes quite difficult.”
You heard him, Justin and Luke, call the man.
