The physical and mental strain of traveling between the Middle East and the States might lead Shane Lowry to skip next year's Team Cup. However, if Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald wants the Irishman at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, he would need to seriously consider the opportunity.
The 2019 Open Championship winner featured in last year’s edition of the Team Cup, then Hero Cup, but a revamp of the qualification process for the European Ryder Cup Team could see him miss next year’s edition.
The new qualification process arguably favours players that play predominantly on the PGA Tour, with there now only being one Ryder Cup Points List operational in the 2024/2025 qualification period.
PGA Tour Signature Events, the FedExCup Play-Offs and the Players will each have 3000 points up for grabs, while regular PGA Tour events have 2000 points on offer.
In comparison, DP World Tour Rolex Series events offer 2000 points and regular events between 1000-1500.
With many Ryder Cup points available in January on the PGA Tour, and considering that Lowry would probably only compete in the Dubai Desert Classic if he travels to the UAE early in 2025, he admits he's uncertain about whether he will play under Justin Rose for GB&I in the second edition of the Team Cup.
“I did that the last time, I don't know, to be honest,” responded Lowry when asked if he would play the Team Cup.
“I think the new points system that Luke, Edoardo (Molinari) and the Tour have come up with I think might have favoured guys like us, not favoured, but we don't need to go chasing it as much as we used to in Europe anymore.
“Back before you used to have to go play the big tournaments just to try and chase points because you're trying to make the team on both sides; whereas we're obviously getting points for all the events over here now, which is amazing.
“I think it's a great thing, and I think - look, Luke just wants the 12 best players on the team. To be honest, I just want the 12 best players on the team. I just hope I'm one of them.
While no decision has been made on his participation in the Ryder Cup warm event just yet, it’s fair to say it’s not the No.1 priority in Lowry’s schedule right now.
But that could all change if Donald or Rose gave the six-time DP World Tour winner a call.
“After this week when we get back to Europe, my main focus over the next 12 months is going to be making that team and trying to win that tournament,” said Lowry, who will play the Irish Open and BMW PGA Championship next month.
“Look, if Luke called me and said he really wanted me to go play, or Justin Rose, I don't know, I'd probably have to think about it.
“But it's a long way to go at the start of the year and coming back to play these big events here. It's a hard thing to do on the body and the mind. Just to start the year off with that is quite difficult at times.”
You heard him Justin and Luke, give the man a call.
