DOONBEG — Shane Lowry says it is time to get himself "in gear" to secure a spot on Europe's Ryder Cup team for a home edition at Adare Manor next year, with qualification for the 17-19 September 2027 contest in County Limerick having commenced last month. The 2019 Open champion, who holed the winning putt for Europe at Bethpage Black in 2025 and also played in 2021 and 2023, arrives at this week's Irish Open at Doonbeg after falling from 26th to 53rd in the world rankings during a frustrating 2026 season of near-misses.
"When that was announced, you look at the dates, look at how old you'll be, and that's been a big big goal of mine," Lowry told BBC Sport NI's Stephen Watson. "To be part of a home Ryder Cup team is amazing but to be part of one in Ireland would be very, very cool. It goes without saying, Ryder Cup points have started so it's time to get myself in gear and get on that team. That's going to be a big part of my motivation over the next 12 months." The 39-year-old said performing in front of an Irish crowd at Doonbeg is always a carrot dangling, but the points race adds significance to every tournament between now and next August.
Lowry is one of seven players from the victorious 2025 European team teeing it up at the Irish Open this week. With Adare Manor just 60 miles from Doonbeg, European captain Luke Donald has arranged a gathering of 16 prospective team members on Sunday and Monday at the first Irish course to stage the biennial event since the K Club in 2006. The group includes potential Ryder Cup rookies Alex Fitzpatrick, Eugenio Chacarra, Kristoffer Reitan and Angel Ayora, alongside more experienced players Donald wants to familiarise with a venue best known for staging the JP McManus Pro-Am.
"I did some off how strong some of the guys are playing statistically and a few of my own picks," Donald said of how he decided on the group. "I think it's just an opportunity to see the course. Eight or nine of the guys have never played it. The more we can get out and familiarise ourselves, it'll stand us in good stead." Donald first became captain for 2023 after planned skipper Henrik Stenson switched to the breakaway tour, and he had LIV players Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm on his team last year, using a wildcard pick on Rahm.
Donald feels the demise of LIV Golf could make his selection process more straightforward this time. After LIV filed for bankruptcy protection in the US on Tuesday, players are now free to leave rather than see out their contracts and the DP World Tour has already said there has been a "high volume" of interest. That would likely mean prospective team members playing in a greater number of events where Ryder Cup points are on offer. "I think you always want the six guys who qualify automatically to be the strongest," Donald added. "If that's Jon and Tyrrell playing more and playing more here where the points are, that gives them more opportunities to qualify. That's a good thing."