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Shane Lowry is set to challenge for his first solo PGA Tour win since capturing the Open Championship title back in 2019 at this week’s Cognizant Classic.
Lowry heads into the event as one of the favourites, partly because several of the tour’s top players are skipping it this year.
The Irishman has found it tough to finish tournaments in first place over recent seasons. Although he did team up with Rory McIlroy to win the Zurich Classic in 2024, that was in a paired format rather than an individual event.
Despite his reputation and skill level, it is surprising that Lowry has not claimed an individual PGA Tour title in seven years, and he has only won once globally during that period.
He has had some solid performances at PGA National before, which should give him confidence heading into this week’s tournament in Florida.
However, Lowry has expressed some concerns about changes made to the Cognizant Classic course layout, saying he would prefer if PGA National was playing tougher than it appears to be this year.
Shane Lowry explains why top players often miss the Cognizant Classic
This week’s Cognizant Classic is missing many of golf’s top names.
This year, the highest-ranked player in the field at PGA National is Ryan Gerard, who is currently ranked 26th in the world.
Adam Scott also withdrew from the event earlier in the week, joining others like Ben Griffin and Genesis Invitational champion Jacob Bridgeman on the sidelines.
Speaking to reporters, Lowry shared his thoughts on why the tournament struggles to draw bigger names.
He stated: “I’m sure every tournament, bar the Signature Events, don’t get the fields that they’d want.
“I think it is in a very tough spot in the schedule, probably one of the toughest spots in the schedule, and I don’t think it’s anything to do with the course.
“The reason players don’t play is players don’t want to play that much. It is a tough stretch of golf.
“Riviera can typically play really tough. Bay Hill plays very, very difficult, and then you’ve got The Players. You beat yourself up playing this type of golf.”
Shane Lowry shares his thoughts on the future of the Cognizant Classic
Lowry was also asked if he had any concerns about how secure the future of the Cognizant Classic might be.
“Do I worry about it? I don’t worry about it because of where it is.
“I think it’s a great place to come play golf, and I think – yes, I do wish a lot of other players would play, but that’s their choices, and they have played over the years.
“But I don’t; I don’t really worry about it as a tournament. I think it’s a great tournament, and I’ve always loved it. I’ve always said that. It’s one of my favourites,” the 38-year-old concluded.
Hopefully, this week Lowry can rediscover his best form and return to winning ways.
Mentally, he appears prepared. Now, he just needs to execute.
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