Shane Lowry approaches The Masters with more questions than answers after a difficult few weeks on the PGA Tour.
The Irishman let a golden opportunity slip at the Cognizant Classic, making costly mistakes late on Sunday, before missing the cut at both the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship.
However, despite that run, former European Tour star Wayne Riley still believes Lowry could be a major contender at Augusta National.
Wayne Riley backs Shane Lowry to bounce back at Augusta
Lowry’s recent form does not make for encouraging reading, particularly after his late collapse at the Cognizant Classic was followed by two missed cuts.
But Riley is not concerned, instead focusing on how well the Ryder Cup star’s game should translate to Augusta.
“He is coming into not great form, [but] I like Shane Lowry for Augusta. The way he plays,” Riley said on Sky Sports.
“He played alright at the Cognizant a couple of weeks ago. Come on, Shane, lift your game, don’t make a fool out of me.”
Riley’s confidence stems from Lowry’s skillset, with his short game, creativity and experience all seen as major assets at Augusta National.
While results have not gone his way recently, the Irishman has proven before that he can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage, and Riley clearly believes that could happen again.
Dame Laura Davies tips Robert MacIntyre to contend at The Masters
Dame Laura Davies offered a different perspective, highlighting Robert MacIntyre as a player to watch closely at Augusta.
“I am going to throw Bob MacIntyre out there. They all go well, the lefties. There have been a lot of left-handed winners,” she said.
“What happened to him at the US Open last year – he did everything right, apart from one massive putt which went against him.”
Davies’ comments point to both history and potential, with Augusta having a reputation for favouring left-handed players.
MacIntyre has already shown he can compete at the highest level, and after going close in a major last year, he could be ready to take the next step.
With both Lowry and MacIntyre tipped by respected voices, the European challenge at The Masters could be stronger than recent form suggests.