Shane Lowry produced an exceptional victory in the recent WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. One thought: what does it mean for the European Tour?
Answer: it probably isn’t great news.
On the European Tour’s website, Lowry’s victory is rightfully lauded. That’s as it should be; it was an outstanding triumph. However, it could have negative consequences for the European Tour on at least two fronts.
Firstly, the victory only strengthens Lowry’s allegiance to the PGA Tour. Indeed, he earned a three-year PGA Tour exemption for winning at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio.
Lowry’s victory also exempts him on the European Tour through 2018.