With the Ryder Cup beginning today, Why Golf is joined by European team member and former PGA winner Shane Lowry to talk through his hopes for New York. Lowry reflects on his journey since making his Ryder Cup debut in 2021, the lessons learned from both defeat and victory, and how he’s preparing for what promises to be a hostile atmosphere at Bethpage. “No matter what my role is for Bethpage, I’ll do it,” he says.
Lowry admits he has matured as a golfer and is ready to handle the noise: “For one week, yes, it might be a little bit hostile, but I think we’re big and bold enough to look after ourselves.”
Alongside Lowry, the episode captures the lighter side of golf. Former England football captain Steph Houghton talks about being new to the game and how golf offers “three or four hours out of the house away from your phone to relax and be with your friends.” Broadcaster Dan Walker, playing with Danny Willett and Vernon Kay, jokes about treating the first tee “like I own it” despite the nerves, while Red Bull’s Calum Nicholas draws parallels between the focus of Formula One pit stops and standing over a golf ball.
With Ryder Cup preparations in full swing and the atmosphere at Wentworth buzzing, the episode blends sporting insight with behind-the-scenes moments. As Lowry puts it: “This is the reason we practice and this is what it’s all about.”
Listen to the full episode of Why Golf here.
