Shane Lowry made a succession of crucial shots to secure victory in the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational with one of the most important striking a tree before coming to rest on the 18th green.
This birdie got the 28-year-old into a share of the lead.
Jim Furyk now has company at the top. Shane Lowry tied the lead with this birdie at 8. #QuickHits http://t.co/zpsyVtcrWs
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 9, 2015
But it was on the back nine that the Offaly man grabbed everyone's attention, starting with this stunning recovery shot on the 10th.
Shane Lowry, that shot is supposed to be impossible. #QuickHits http://t.co/QUc5o7GQv3
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 9, 2015
A wayward drive and a wedge shot that came up short had Lowry in trouble again, but this long par putt on 14 ensured he stayed just in front of the pack, even as Bubba Watson was charging.
Shane Lowry saves par from 17' to keep a two-shot lead. Huge. #QuickHits http://t.co/5A1adqcfkL
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 9, 2015
He then made this vital par save on the 17th after his approach ended up in a tricky position in the fringe grass by the green. A chip and this successful putt again meant he stayed clear of the chasers, with Watson having set the clubhouse target at nine-under.
If Shane Lowry is nervous, he's not showing it on the greens. http://t.co/iI05A1XWSO
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 9, 2015
Back in the Offaly man's home club Esker Hills, where his brother Alan was among those watching on, they were roaring him on after every successful shot.
And the putts keep coming!! #WCS2015 #TeamLowry pic.twitter.com/SkUSLCIG40
— Esker Hills G.C. (@EskerHills) August 9, 2015
Lowry's drive on 18 left him out of position in the left rough, but with enough room to get the ball up and over a tree and onto the green. Still, the shot looked virtually impossible and there was every chance that he would bogey the hole and possibly end up in a play-off.
Until this happened.
Shane Lowry. Exclamation point. #QuickHits http://t.co/0LeLPVrwIs
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 9, 2015
Lowry's ball glanced a branch overhanging the green - though that took nothing away from the sensational quality of the shot, and he took advantage, rolling in another superb birdie putt to ensure victory.
What a show, Shane Lowry. Congratulations to the WGC-Bridgestone winner. #QuickHits http://t.co/Qb7Z4jkiua
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 9, 2015
Even though he probably would have won either way, Lowry took the time to give the tree a congratulatory hug after collecting the trophy.
Shane Lowry's ball at 18 went through tree branches and wound up 11 feet from the hole. He appreciated it. pic.twitter.com/RMczwneO1J
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) August 9, 2015
Video source: PGA Tour via Twitter
