Late Lowry surge promises gold in 2012

Shane Lowry will be one to watch in Morocco this week. Photo Jenny Matthews/www.golffile.ieShane Lowry’s weekend charge for glory came up short as he finished seventh in the Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol.

But the brace of 67s the Clara man posted at the weekend will give him hope that a second European Tour victory is not far away as he embarks on just his third full season in the professional ranks.

The 24-year old racked up an eagle and 11 birdies during the final two rounds at Aloha Golf Club to earn €24,350 and move up to 115th in the Race to Dubai after a slow start to the 2012 campaign.

Lowry surged to within a shot of the lead in the final round when he picked up seven birdies in his first 14 holes to get to 13 under par. Yet while his title charge lost all momentum when he racked up back to back bogeys at the 16th and 17th, he can look forward to a this week’s Trophée Hassan II and the rest of 2012 with not little confidence.

Lowry eventually finished alongside host Miguel Angel Jimenez, six shots adrift of 31-year old Frenchman Julien Quesne, who shot a course record-equalling 64 to clinch a maiden European Tour victory worth a handsome €166,660.

Quesne, a two-time winner on the Challenge Tour, finished two clear of Matteo Manassero as a three-putt bogey on 18 cost Eduardo de la Riva a share of second place and €24,255.

Damien McGrane bogeyed three of his final five holes to finish with a 73 and a share of 20th on seven-under worth €11,167.

Michael Hoey (71), Simon Thornton (72) and Gareth Maybin (73) finished tied for 33rd on five under, earning €7,111 each for their week’s work in the sun.