No joy for Lowry in Reno

Shane Lowry

Shane Lowry couldn't take advantage of his chance to make a major move in the FedEx Cup standings after he finished tied 15th  behind maiden winner Andrew Putnam in the Barracuda Championship in Reno.

The Offaly man (31) showed some form and more confidence but he moved up just three spots to 156th and now has just the US PGA and next week's Wyndham Championship to make the top 125 if he wants to base his schedule around the PGA Tour next year.

Solo fourth and just eight points off the pace overnight, he needed a good start to put pressure on the leader but went the other way.

A bogey at the third, a double bogey at the sixth and a bogey at the seventh all but put paid to his chances and while he birdied three of his last 10 holes, he gained just one point as Putnam made nine to win by four from Chad Campbell with 43.

Graeme McDowell tied for 44th with Seamus Power after making 10 points on Sunday and must now put in a big performance in the Wyndham to keep his card as he moved up just one pace to 142nd in the standings with Power currently safe at 123rd but under pressure as he is not in the PGA Championship.

Pádraig Harrington who rose three spots to 219th after finishing tied 50th in Reno, can rely on his PGA Tour status as one of the top 50 career money winners to play next season.