Big rankings mover Lowry sets sights on top 50 spot

Shane Lowry has made the most spectacular rise up golf’s rankings table over 2012.

However, the 25-year-old Offalyman finished two agonising spots outside the leading 50 who automatically qualify for invitations into next year’s Masters at Augusta and US Open at Merion.

Lowry began the year in 119th but a magnificent finish to the campaign, highlighted by a spectacular victory in the Portugal Masters, lifted him to 52nd at the finish.