Shane Lowry: I'd have made Ryder Cup team even if Pádraig Harrington wasn't captain

But Offaly star now determined to win it for 'my mate'

Shane Lowry will play his first ever Ryder Cup this weekend. Picture: Richard Sellers/PA Wire.

Shane Lowry was a promising teenage amateur when he watched Pádraig Harrington play his part in Europe's Ryder Cup victory at the K Club.

Fifteen years on he will be part of the European team attempting to retain the trophy at Whistling Straits, one of three rookies on a side captained by Harrington but also one of four major champions in the 12-man team.