Shane Lowry takes early lead in European Ryder Cup race to Adare

Early days yet for sure, but Shane Lowry’s move to the top of the European Ryder Cup points qualifying table for the centenary match against the US at Adare Manor on September 17th-19th next year has come after a flying start to his quest to be part of Luke Donald’s team.

Lowry’s top-25 finish in the BMW PGA at Wentworth came on the back of his win in the Amgen Irish Open and has seen the Offalyman move to number one in the qualifying rankings, ahead of England’s Joe Deane, while Rory McIlroy’s tied-second at the DP World Tour’s flagship event propelled him to third in the standings.