Shane Lowry’s record-tying 62 at the PGA Championship not only propelled him up the leaderboard but also showcased a newfound confidence on the greens. Lowry’s struggles with putting this season prompted him to seek guidance from his friend and Team Europe Ryder Cup captain, Luke Donald. Donald shared his practice routine, focusing on drills that build mental strength and create pressure during practice sessions. Lowry’s change in practice regimen paid off, as he gained nearly six shots on the field in putting during the third round of the PGA Championship.
Lowry attributed his improved putting to his shift away from technical aspects and towards drills that focused on holing putts. The mental aspect of putting became crucial for Lowry, who visualized each putt and focused on the desire to make it. Although he missed a crucial 11-footer on the 18th green, Lowry’s overall performance indicated a significant improvement.
Luke Donald didn’t reveal the specific drills he taught Lowry, but the results speak for themselves. Lowry’s ability to visualize putts and maintain a confident mindset allowed him to hole an impressive 160 feet of putts during one round. While Lowry’s tee-to-green play hasn’t been stellar this week, his putting has made up for it. He has gained only .19 shots off the tee and .43 shots on approach but has gained an impressive 3.47 shots on the greens.
Despite an alignment issue that Lowry corrected with his coach on Friday, his ball-striking improved but was still overshadowed by his exceptional putting. Lowry’s newfound freedom and confidence with the putter propelled him up 25 spots on the leaderboard.
Lowry’s previous experience winning a major championship, the 2019 Open Championship, gives him an advantage heading into the final round of the PGA Championship. He knows what it takes to handle pressure and emerge victorious. However, he also recognizes that winning multiple majors elevates a player to a different level of achievement.
To secure the PGA Championship title, Lowry will need to continue his exceptional putting and go low. The soft conditions of the Valhalla Golf Club and the manageable slopes on the greens present ample opportunities for birdies. Lowry’s off-course preparation and ability to replicate pressure situations during practice will be crucial in maintaining his composure and performance in the final round.
In conclusion, Shane Lowry’s collaboration with Luke Donald and his newfound practice routine have transformed his putting game, propelling him into contention at the PGA Championship. Lowry’s ability to visualize putts and focus on holing them, rather than getting caught up in technical details, has been key to his success. With his previous major championship win under his belt, Lowry has the experience and mindset necessary to compete for another major title. The final round will test his ability to handle pressure and maintain his exceptional putting performance.