Shane Lowry's glass is half-full when it comes to Rory McIlroy
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Rory McIlroy matched Seve Ballesteros by winning a sixth European Order of Merit title on Sunday. He is now just two behind all-time leader Colin Montgomerie. The world number three also won the DP Tour World Championship for a third time, his fourth tournament win of the season.
"Unfortunately for Rory, I think everybody looks at the glass half-empty," said his fellow pro and friend Shane Lowry, who finished third in Dubai at the weekend.
"I look at it glass half-full. 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.
"Like if he wins today, it will be four wins around the world. 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 my 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 records in his sights as well."
Lowry expects to be back in action by late January.
"I've been away from my family a lot," he said.
"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 seven and three."
The Open returns to Royal Portrush next year, the course where Lowry claimed his first major title in 2019, but the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is his priority.
"It's going to be great going back to Portrush," he said.
"Obviously very fond memories and it will be a different week than it was the last time.
"I think there will be obviously a lot for me to do, and I'll have to manage myself pretty good. I think it will be a little more difficult to come in under the radar than last time. I have huge things ahead.
"First and foremost we look to April and the Masters and look at the other majors after that, and forefront of my mind is Ryder Cup next year. I really want to be part of that side and I want to be part of a winning side. So I'll do everything I can over the next nine months to do that and hopefully get the job done.
"It's the golf I love and the tournaments I get out of bed for in the morning, and the reason I practise is those big tournaments. I feel like I gave a good account of myself in the majors this year and the big events. All going the right direction, and hopefully the future is right."
