[PHOTO: Andy Lyons]
Shane Lowry came within inches of putting his name alone in golf’s record book in round three at Valhalla. He happily settled for sharing a piece of history – and playing his way into serious contention for a second career major.
Lowry fired a Saturday 62 at the PGA Championship to tie the record for the lowest score ever shot in a major. Still, he couldn’t help feeling at least a tad disappointed not recording the first 61 ever in one of golf’s four big events after not birdieing either of Valhalla’s back-nine par 5s.
That included the 18th, where Lowry’s third shot gave him a great look from about 12 feet. Here’s how his attempt went:
SO close to 61. pic.twitter.com/61QgjWzjmP
— Golf on CBS ⛳ (@GolfonCBS) May 18, 2024
That close. But again, there’s nothing wrong with a 62 at a major – especially on the weekend. Lowry tied the record held by Branden Grace, Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele, who has shot two 62s, including one in the opening round this week.
And that was about the only putt Lowry missed all day. As stats guru Justin Ray noted, it was the best putting performance of the Irishman’s career.
Shane Lowry: 5th round of 62 in men's major championship history; four have come in last 3 majors
Lowry gained 6.4 strokes putting in today's round, a career high. His 11.26 strokes gained putting this week are the most through 3 rounds by anyone in a PGA Tour event in 2024.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) May 18, 2024
Not that Lowry was the only player going low on Saturday. Within his own group, playing partner and long-time Ryder Cup teammate Justin Rose shot 64 to tie the low round of his career in majors.
“We were egging each other on,” Lowry told CBS’ Amanda Balionis after the round. “We were both trying to get back into the tournament.”
And that’s exactly what they both did. At 13-under Lowry was the clubhouse leader late on Saturday with Rose just a shot behind him. They will start the final round two and three strokes behind, respectively.
