Shane is a Ryder chance and a major force says captain Clarke
Shane Lowry speaks to RTE Radio's Greg Allen in Wisconsin
Ryder Cup skipper Darren Clarke expects Shane Lowry to make his Ryder Cup team next year and join Ireland’s major winners.
And with the Americans looking for their first clean sweep in the majors this week for 40 years, he’s betting the Clara ace can be a force for Europe soon.
Clarke said: “Obviously to win a World Golf Championship event, which is just one level below a major, is a huge accomplishment.
“And Shane’s game has been developing over this past few years and he's been getting stronger and stronger.
"He's very comfortable playing in America. And I think a breakthrough win for him last week is very important for him at this stage of his career.
"He's going to gain a massive amount of confidence from it and go forward. I fully expect him to be contending for a Ryder Cup spot next year.”
“Whether that happens or not, we shall see but it was brilliant to see how well he played and handled himself down the stretch on Sunday.
“He maybe got a good break here and there, but obviously he played fantastic, and was the deserved winner.”
On Lowry’s credentials as a potential major winner, he said: “If he keeps playing the way he did last week, I think he'll certainly be contending.
“You need a few breaks, but certainly he's got the game to win.
“After doing what he did last week, I'm sure he will gain a massive amount of confidence.
"I don't think there's anything to get in his way. He needs the right breaks at the right time. And hopefully he’ll add to the list of Irish major winners.”
