Another Sunday Sting—Another Shot at Bay Hill

For the second time this year, Shane Lowry had one hand on the trophy. And for the second time this year, he went home empty-handed.

His late-afternoon collapse at the Cognizant Classic wasn’t just hard to watch—it was hard to fathom.

The Irishman has built a reputation on rising to the occasion: big putt after big putt at Bethpage Black last September, the commanding performance at The Open in 2019. But for whatever reason, closing has become complicated.

His last solo win came when he hoisted the Claret Jug nearly seven years ago. Since then, the only trophy he’s lifted on the PGA TOUR came alongside Rory McIlroy at the Zurich Classic in 2024.

“I'm obviously extremely disappointed,” Lowry said following the final round at PGA National. “I had the tournament in my hands, and I threw it away. What more can I say? That's twice this year now so far...How do I feel like this now when I went through what I did last September in Bethpage and got through that fine. I just felt like it was weird out there. I just really—yeah, just couldn't feel the club face the last three holes then after my tee shot on 16. It was strange.”

He admitted himself there’s no choice but to move on. Fortunately, he won’t have to wait long. His next opportunity comes this week at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill. With a little scar tissue and maybe a little revenge on the line, The King’s Place could be an ideal bounce-back venue for the World No. 27.

Bay Hill hasn’t always been kind to Lowry. He missed the cut in his first four appearances at the Dick Wilson design. In 2023, he finally broke through to the weekend, only to post a Saturday 80 that erased any real contention hopes. But something has shifted over the last two years.

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An opening-round 66 propelled him to a solo third in 2024. Last year, he entered the weekend with the lead, but finished solo seventh after a Saturday 76 proved too much to overcome.

For two straight seasons, Lowry has looked more comfortable—more in control—at Bay Hill. The lingering question is simple: Can he piece together four steady, disciplined rounds and avoid the one stretch that unravels everything?

The Arnold Palmer Invitational offers him the perfect stage to answer that. Put the Bear Trap behind you. Get back on the horse at a course you’ve learned to embrace.

And if it comes down to Sunday afternoon again, maybe—just maybe—the golf gods finally return the favor.