Lowry plans big summer as he puts focus on European Tour

Shane Lowry heads the Irish charge at this week’s BMW International Open in Munich on the Munchen Eichenried course.

Lowry revealed he will spend the remainder of the season focused entirely on the European Tour after interspersing the first six months of the year accepting five invitations to compete on the PGA Tour.

“It’s great to be back playing on the European Tour, which will always be my home,” the Offaly man said. “America was a great experience where I think I learned a lot, though it’s hard to put a finger on exactly what I learned. But I know back here is where I can win and there are some big summer tournaments coming up.

“I’m looking forward to playing here at Eichenried again. I have shot a couple of low scores here in past and I feel the course suits me. All the par fives are reachable in two so it’s going to be a low-scoring week.”

Joining Lowry in Munich is Peter Lawrie, Gareth Maybin and David Higgins. Paul McGinley was set to compete but has withdrawn from the tournament, citing a back injury.

Dustin Johnson revealed he will warm-up for next month’s British Open playing a number of practice rounds in and around Dublin in the week prior to golf’s oldest Major.

“Dermot Desmond has got myself and a few buddies organised to play a couple of courses like Portmarnock, so it should be good fun,” said the American. “So we’re in Dermot’s good hands and having come close in the British Open the past couple of years, it should be good practice.”