Shane Lowry sees opportunity to rack up big wins in 2023

Winning the Open Championship in 2019 has been the high point of Shane Lowry's golfing career to date.

Not surprisingly the Offaly man would love to add to that sole major success. Back in Ireland to enjoy the Christmas and New Year break, Lowry's has his sights firmly set on next year, when speaking to RTÉ Sport's Greg Allen.

"There are a lot of opportunities to do great things. That's what I'm all about; I want to win big tournaments."

Bullish words from the player who'll turn 36 on the Sunday before next year's Masters. Lowry was tied third around the famous course in 2022 and is relishing the chance to tee it up again next April.

"I feel like I'm getting my head around Augusta," he said.

"I'd love to be the first Irishman to put on the Green Jacket."

Lowry's form over the last 12 months would indicate that he is well primed to have a good 2023. As well as his strong finish in the Masters, he came close to winning the Honda Classic and the RBC Heritage, before claiming the PGA Championship at Wentworth in September.

Reflecting on the season just past, he said: "I'm pretty happy with what I’ve had in 2022 and I’m hoping I can go forward next year and better what I did this year.

"Obviously 2019, with the Open, will probably always come first but it’s probably the second-best year I’ve had.

"To get a win at a tournament like Wentworth against a field like that was very, very special.

"I picked up a bit of consistency and gave myself a few chances to win this year, more chances than I probably have in the past. That was really nice. You get used to being at the top of the leaderboard and that makes you more comfortable.

"There haven’t been too many weeks where I have been plodding my way around the back nine on a Sunday in 50th or