Shane Lowry said he couldn’t help but think of his experience at the US Open in Oakmount as he found the mental strength to win the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
Lowry held a three-shot lead over Richard Sterne going into today’s final round, but saw it evaporate within minutes as Sterne drew level on the third green. Lowry was then four back by the time the final group had played 11 holes.
It brought memories of the position the Offaly man had on the final day of the major that quickly went up in smoke back in 2016.
In Abu Dhabi's Saturday finish, however, Lowry fought back over the final holes, with a brilliant putt to save par at 17, followed by a sensational approach at 18 to set up an eagle putt and eventual birdie to clinch the victory.
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Asked whether the events in Pittsburgh had entered his mind, Lowry told RTÉ Sport’s Greg Allen: "I can’t say it definitely but I did think of it when I made bogey at 11 and was walking to the 12th tee.
"Even though I was one behind, it was maybe the equivalent of the 14th at Oakmount. I was only one behind with five today.
"I talked about that with Bo (caddy Brian Martin) today. I felt like I was out of the tournament and we had a chat about it.
"He said just stick in and see where it leaves us on the last green.
"He was great. He’s a very positive character and saying all the right things at the right times. I said it to him that ‘it’s not going to be easy so you are going to have to keep me going’. He did. It’s great for the both of us.
"I’m delighted for him as well as he is a great fella and a good friend of mine. He did a great job today and I managed to pluck it out of the bag at the end.
"There was times it looked I was dead and buried but I think I showed guts, courage and determination. I showed the type of player I really am and that I’m well able for the tough part of it as well.
"It has been a long enough couple of years on the golf course. Losing my card last year in America and not playing so well has been difficult.
"I’m very happy to be back with a win and it means the world to me I suppose."
The second shot at the final hole was truly memorable, using the three-wood to find the heart of the green.
Lowry admitted it was one of the best strokes he has ever produced.
"I think so yeah. I knew Richard was in a bit of trouble when he hit his second shot right.
"That was one of the best shots I’ve hit. It was a little down slope below my feet.
"I aimed it to the left edge of the green and just hammered it. It came out lovely and I knew the minute I hit it that it was good.
"To go up and be able to two-putt it for a win was lovely."
The win takes the former Irish Open winner well inside the top 50 in the world, as well as the potential to play in all four majors, WGC events and the Players Championship for the year ahead.
The prospect had not even entered Lowry’s mind as he spoke shortly after his the victory.
"I haven’t even thought about it now that you say it. I just hope I’m in all those tournaments. Obviously the Open in Portrush is one I really want to be in and back to the Masters.
"It was such a negative losing my card last year and I haven’t played Abu Dhabi since 2014. I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t lost my card. Obviously it was a blessing in disguise.
"I’m over the moon. I haven’t stopped going since I came off the 18th green. I’m looking forward to sitting down and enjoying it.
"It has to give me confidence going forward. I just need to use that to my advantage. I just need to kick off for the rest of the year."
Lowry’s victory has been hugely popular, with President Michael D Higgins summing it up by saying that "Ireland will be very proud" today of the 31-year-old.
Lowry treasured having his wife and young daughter with him, as well as friends that had flown out overnight in the hope of a victory, for the special moments afterwards.
There will also be a "little bit of a party" according to the man himself.
"It’s what it’s all about. It’s the first time the both of them have been there for a win. There was more too.
"We’re heading back to Dubai now to the house we’ve rented, Paul Dunne is there waiting for us.
"There’ll be a little bit of a party tonight. I’m chuffed everyone was here to see it, especially Wendy and Iris."
