Shane Lowry more motivated than ever after 'average' year

After what he deemed a "pretty average" year, Shane Lowry said he feels more motivated than ever heading into 2024.

He is, however, conscious of time ticking by.

"I'm 37 next year. There's not too many golfers that played great in their 40s," Lowry told RTÉ Sport.

"I'm starting my 16th season next year on Tour. If you include 2009, which was nearly a full season, from May to December.

"It's been a long... well, not a long career. But a decent career so far.

"In my head, I feel if I can get to 45 still very competitive, I'd be very happy with that. That's still nine years.

"Sitting around the team room in the Ryder Cup, you're looking around and I'm the second oldest player there.

"Looking at Ludwig Aberg come out and play the way he does. And all these young kids, the Hojgaards. It does nothing only motivate me to be honest.

"I'm definitely more motivated than I've ever been heading into the new year."

After a stellar 2022, which featured a career-best third place finish in Augusta and concluded with a memorable BMW Championship win around Wentworth, Lowry had a so-so year in 2023. He finishes it ranked 37th, 17 places lower than at the start and missed out on the FedEx Cup.

He failed to make the weekend at Royal Liverpool, only his second missed cut in 19 major championships dating back to the 2019 PGA Championship.

However, that isn't quite the full story and Lowry's season was close to lift off on a few occasions.

The Masters, where he placed tied-12th and struck the ball beautifully, barely missing a fairway, is a particular source of frustration. On a course he fancies, Lowry spent his week wincing after missed putts.

"I'd say personally, probably pretty average [year]. Not much bad stuff, not much great stuff, a lot of good and