Shane Lowry from Clara, Co Offaly, last night pulled off the biggest win of his golfing career when claiming the first prize of US$1,570, 000 (€1.45m) in the WGC Bridgestone Invitational Championship at Akron, Ohio.

After Sunday’s victory for Thomas Bjorn in the Swiss Alps, the battle for 2014 European Ryder Cup points continues this week in the KLM Dutch Open at Kennemer, Zandvoort, with a €1.8m prize fund on offer.

Darren Clarke ended his season on a high with his best-placed finish in nearly 18 months after climaxing the Australian PGA Championship in a nine-way share of eighth place.