Jack Nicklaus birthplace a fitting stage for Shane Lowry to ‘come of age’

Ohio is the birthplace of golf’s most famous son Jack Nicklaus, so it was a fitting stage for Shane Lowry to “come of age” in winning one of the game’s most prestigious titles, the Bridgestone World Golf Championship on Sunday night. 

In doing so he also earned the security of a three-year exemption on the lucrative PGA Tour and a stage to compete regularly against the very best players in the world.

Right from the off, I was hugely impressed by the manner of his victory as an amateur in the Irish Open of 2009. Coming down the stretch on the final day, he showed such composure when hitting whatever shot was required despite the magnitude of the moment and the deplorable conditions. In doing so he won a tournament that most amateurs would have left behind.