Shane Lowry is backing his experience to enable him to turn consistent performances into claiming silverware on the biggest stages in 2026 as he makes his first appearance of the new year at the Dubai Invitational.
The Irishman registered five top tens last year across both the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR, including two runner-up finishes stateside at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and Truist Championship.
While disappointed not to have claimed a victory, 2025 will still forever hold great memories having sunk the putt to retain the Ryder Cup for Team Europe at Bethpage in September.
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Across his 25 appearances worldwide, Lowry missed just four cuts in 2025 but with two of those coming at Major Championships he is intent on maximising his chances when things matter most.
“Obviously there is one outstanding highlight [in 2025],” he told the media as he assessed his goals for 2026.
“Not that I saved my year, I did play really good all year, but obviously didn't get a win. [The Ryder Cup] topped it all off for me.
“At the start of the year, if you had told me I was going to do that, I wouldn't have cared about anything else I did.
“For 2026, obviously set some new goals and obviously big tournaments, Majors. I’d like to contend in a couple of Majors this year and give myself a couple of chances in regular events as well and to try to get a win in the near future would be ideal.”
Having turned professional in May 2009 – already by then a winner on the DP World Tour at the Irish Open - this year marks his 17th full campaign.
Since that memorable triumph on home soil, Lowry has claimed six wins in the paid ranks, with the most recent alongside Rory McIlroy at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2024.
Widely known as a strong iron player, the 38-year-old is always out to make improvements across his game, but he believes it is case of small rather than big steps required to help him realise his goals.
“I think obviously there's parts of my game that I could improve on," he said.
I think it's all about being myself. I've been around a long time now and I know what works for me
“But for the most part, I think my game was really, really good.
"So, I think if I can clean up around the greens and my putting I can be dangerous in any tournament.
"I think it's all about being myself. I've been around a long time now and I know what works for me. Just keep being me and see what happens.”
A winner in neighbouring Emirate Abu Dhabi in 2019, Lowry is hoping he can start the year in the United Arab Emirates as he means to go on with an appearance at the prestigious Dubai Desert Classic to follow next week over the opening two weeks of the DP World Tour’s International’s Swing.
“I love coming back and seeing all the old faces,” he said ahead of his debut at the biennial Dubai Invitational.
“We go to the Desert Classic next week, obviously the history of it. I think history, that's what it's all about, winning the great championships that we've had for many years.
“I'm going to try to win and support as much as I can.”
