Shane Lowry is up to number 19 in the world after his first PGA Tour victory on Sunday night.
The man from Clara showed real grit and nerve at some vital stages to claim the WGC Bridgestone Invitational title and the $1.57 million in prize money.
The win means a climb of 29 places in the rankings for Lowry, a three-year exemption on the PGA Tour and a spot at the Masters next year.
Wow! Can't put into words how I'm feeling now. Thanks to everyone for their support. #winnerwinner
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) August 9, 2015
His first win since the 2012 Portugal Masters was well-earned.
There were three specific points when, as a viewer, it felt as though it might be about to unravel. Not due to lack of confidence in the Offaly man but rather a niggling feeling that as a watcher of Irish sport, you've been in this situation before and it didn't work out positively.
The first of those crucial moments was on the 10th when the 28-year-old produced a magnificent recovery shot - labelled 'shot of the year' by Paul McGinley. Improbably, he also carded a birdie on that hole.
The second was a brilliant 20-foot, par-saving putt on the 14th and the third was another memorable recovery shot on the 18th which also culminated in a birdie.
Here's the world rankings top 20.
Picture credit: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
