Shane Lowry has confessed that an unexpected wave of support from American spectators provided the crucial impetus behind his dramatic victory at the Hero Indian Open, describing the experience as "unreal" following his final-round triumph.
The Irish star, who carded a magnificent final-round 67 to secure his first win of the season, revealed he was taken aback by the volume of American accents cheering him on throughout the tournament.
Ryder Cup Momentum Builds
"It was quite funny actually - I had a lot of Americans out there cheering for me," Lowry remarked after his victory. "They were shouting 'Go on Shane!' and I'm thinking, this is unusual. But it just shows the impact the Ryder Cup has had."
The 2019 Open champion believes his memorable partnership with Rory McIlroy during Europe's dominant Ryder Cup performance at Whistling Straits has significantly raised his profile across the Atlantic.
Perfect Timing for Rome Defence
This timely victory couldn't have come at a better moment for the Irishman as he seeks to secure his spot on Luke Donald's European team for the defence of the Ryder Cup in Rome later this year.
"Winning is massive for my confidence," Lowry admitted. "To get over the line in such tough conditions against a quality field gives me great belief moving forward. The Ryder Cup is always in the back of your mind, and performances like this certainly help."
Emotional Victory Speech
During his post-tournament reflections, an emotional Lowry paid tribute to the Delhi crowds and the unexpected international support that carried him to victory.
"The atmosphere was incredible out there," he said. "When you're in contention and you hear that support, it gives you an extra few percent that can make all the difference. To see American fans getting behind an Irish golfer shows how special the Ryder Cup is for growing the game globally."
The victory marks Lowry's first win on the European Tour since his 2022 success at the BMW PGA Championship, positioning him perfectly for a strong season ahead as qualification for the European Ryder Cup team intensifies.
