Irish duo Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell are hoping their long-standing friendship and intimate knowledge of one another’s games will carry them to victory this week in the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf.
Lowry and McDowell are part of a 36-strong contingent of European Tour Members gunning for world glory at Kingston Heath Golf Club, on the outskirts of the Australian city of Melbourne.
The pair will be aiming to secure a third victory for Ireland in the World Cup of Golf, following wins in 1997 for Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington and in 1958 for Harry Bradshaw and Christy O’Connor.
This year’s edition reverts back to the previous format, with two days of foursomes and two of fourballs, which McDowell and Lowry believe will improve their chances of beating their 27 rival teams.
McDowell said: “Shane and I, we practise a lot together, we spend a lot of time together during the season and we know a lot about each other’s games, so very excited to be here.
"Obviously thankful to my partner for giving me the pick, and it’s great to be back in this part of the world. Melbourne’s such an amazing city to come play golf in, and it’s so great to have the format back to alternate shot and best ball.
Representing Ireland and playing alongside a great mate in a team format is very exciting - Graeme McDowell
“I had the chance to play this event three or four times in the past in this format, and it’s fantastic. I think some of the best experiences that I’ve had in the game of golf have been in the team format, Ryder Cups and Seve Trophies and the World Cup of Golf.
"So here representing Ireland and playing alongside a great mate in a team format is very exciting, and I think both of us are very up for it this week and very motivated and would love to be there come Sunday afternoon.”
World Number 43 Lowry, who is making his second appearance in the World Cup of Golf this week, firmly echoed his playing partner’s sentiments.
He said: “There are a lot of guys here this week who are playing with their friends. Myself and Graeme are very good friends.
"I was very lucky when I turned pro that Graeme was with the same management company, and somewhat took me under his wing. So I’ve spent a lot of time with him, played a lot of practice rounds with him over the years, and feel very comfortable both on and off the course.
“I think this golf course sets up well for myself and Graeme. I think if we were going into a normal tournament, Graeme would be one of the names I would have down for a chance to win the event. I just hope we can give ourselves a chance come Sunday.”
