Shane Lowry's 'absolute joke' comment sums up Rory McIlroy's amazing consistency over the years
Rory McIlroy won for the fourth time this year when he claimed the DP World Tour Championship on Sunday, having already secured the Race to Dubai
Shane Lowry has described Rory McIlroy's consistency over time as "an absolute joke" - and insists his friend should look on as year in a positive way.
McIlroy has expressed disappointment that he couldn't add a fifth major title to his bulging CV after blowing a chance to win the US Open at Pinehurst in June.
That was one of a number of near misses during 2024 - finishing second at the Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down was another.
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But McIlroy finished the year on a high by beating his Irish Open conqueror Rasmus Hojgaard at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, having already secured his sixth Harry Verdon trophy to clinch the Race to Dubai.
"Unfortunately for Rory, I think everybody looks at the glass half-empty, I look at it glass half-full," said Lowry, hailing McIlroy's achievement in winning four tournaments this year - including one with Lowry, the Zurich Classic, in New Orleans in April.
"He's had an amazingly consistent year. I've had a consistent year, but he's had consistent top three finishes - mine are Top 15s.
"Obviously he gives himself chances and he probably should have won the US Open, let's be honest - and he'd say that himself, but he didn't.
"I think he is more determined than ever to come out firing next year, and obviously the Masters will be on the forefront of his mind and same as myself, he'll be looking towards the other big tournaments and The Ryder Cup.
"The career he's had so far is incredible. He has not dropped outside of the Top 15 in the world rankings in the last 15 years or something.
"It's an absolute joke. He's putting himself up there with the greats of European golf, not that he already wasn't and I'm sure he's got Monty's (Colin Montgomerie's) records in his sights as well."
Lowry admitted he was looking forward to flying back to Florida to see his family at the end of a long year that saw him move back into the world's top 30.
"I feel like I'm leaving the golf course here in Dubai in a better position than I was this time last year, so pretty happy with myself," he said.
"I think when I reflect on the season, I'm going to be pretty happy with that, too. I feel like I would like to have won, and feel like I could have with the golf I've played but I showed this year that I still have a lot of good golf in me.
"You'll see me in the new year at some stage, late January probably. I've been away from my family a lot.
"My kids are getting to an age where they really feel it when I'm away. It will be nice to spend a few weeks with them in Florida and go home to Ireland for Christmas. Excited for Christmas, they are 7 and 3."
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