Shane Lowry expressed his deep disappointment after squandering a three-shot lead in the final holes of the Cognizant Classic in Florida, missing out on a victory in front of his four-year-old daughter. The Irish golfer hit his tee shots into water on the 16th and 17th holes, recording back-to-back double bogeys, which allowed Colombia's Nico Echavarria to secure a two-stroke win on 17 under par.
Lowry finished in a three-way tie for second on 15 under, alongside Americans Taylor Moore and Austin Smotherman. Reflecting on his performance, Lowry said: “I’m obviously extremely disappointed. I had the tournament in my hands and I threw it away, what more can I say?” He added that the collapse was unprecedented for him, despite having handled pressure well at the Ryder Cup last September.
The 37-year-old had been in commanding form, birdying the fifth and ninth holes, eagling the 10th, and adding further birdies at the 12th and 13th to reach 19 under par. However, his challenge unravelled after finding water on the 16th and 17th, while Echavarria carded a flawless 66 with five birdies. Lowry also found a bunker on the 18th, scrambling for a par to finish with a two-under 69.
Lowry admitted the hardest part was not winning in front of his daughter, saying: “She was there waiting for me and I only wanted it for her today… I wanted so bad to see her little ginger head running out on the 18th green.” This marks the third time Lowry has led the event late in the final round without converting, having also faltered in 2022 and two years ago.
Brooks Koepka, returning from LIV Golf, finished tied for ninth on 10 under after a final-round 65, his best PGA Tour showing since his return.
