Three-time PGA Tour winner Shane Lowry is in the middle of a five-week stretch on the 2026 schedule. He is playing the third event of that run, the Cognizant Classic at PGA National Resort, and is tied for the lead entering the final round.

After shooting a career-low 8-under 63 on Saturday to move into a share of first place, Lowry was asked during a press conference how he has produced steady results in Florida.

The 2019 Open Championship winner responded with a smile: “Scotty doesn’t play that much around Florida, maybe.”

The real reason goes back several years. Lowry moved to Florida in January 2018 with his family. The decision was practical. He wanted to reduce travel between Ireland and the United States and spend more time competing on the PGA Tour. 

He settled in Jupiter, where many tour players base themselves and practice year-round. He also became a member of The Bear's Club, founded by Jack Nicklaus.

The transition was not smooth at first.

Shane Lowry Turned a Bermuda Weakness Into a Measurable Edge at PGA National Resort

Shane Lowry then reflected on how his perspective shifted after spending years adjusting to the conditions.

“When I moved here first, I hated Florida golf. The grain, Bermuda, everything about it was tricky for me. And just from living down here and spending time down here, I’ve become better at it.”

So he stayed with it. Practicing daily on Bermuda greens in Jupiter helped him learn how the ball reacts and how to manage the grain. Over time, the challenge became part of his preparation rather than an obstacle.

The results followed. As of March 1, Lowry has recorded 19 consecutive rounds of par or better at the Cognizant Classic at PGA National. 

He has also finished inside the top five three times there in the past four years, including a runner-up result in 2022.

Do you think Shane Lowry’s Florida form makes him the player to beat this week? Tell us in the comments!

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Written by

Aditi Singh

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu