Heroic Lowry steps out of McIlroy's shadow to play starring role

It is not easy being Shane Lowry. Such a close friendship with Rory McIlroy means not only is sporting comparison inevitable but questions towards Lowry are routinely framed with the Northern Irishman in mind. What does Rory think, what would Rory say. Lowry takes it all in good spirit - the vast majority of the time - when he would be entitled to roll his eyes. That also applies to the rogue depiction of the hard-drinking Irishman who has a natural talent for his sport that removes a need for hard work. There are few more dedicated or serious performers than Lowry. He cares almost too much.

- Ewan Murray

McIlroy's outstanding achievements in golf do not extend to what Lowry produced on Sunday. A stirring comeback from the USA had left Europe in serious danger of letting the Ryder Cup slip through a dozen pairs of hands. It was left to Lowry and a 6ft putt on the final green at Bethpage Black to ensure at least a tie. The man American fans had called a Teletubby over the Ryder Cup's earlier two days would enjoy the last, deafening laugh. "I still can't believe it," Lowry said yesterday morning.

Had Lowry missed, Europe were staring at sporting disaster. His teammates were dropping like flies. If it was only natural to look at the negative, Lowry's mindset was different. He had turned to his caddie, Darren Reynolds, earlier on the 18th hole. "I have a chance to do the coolest thing in my life here," Lowry told his bag man. "I did it. And I'm very proud of myself." On the green, Lowry thought of Martin Kaymer's converted putt, in identical circumstances for Europe, at Medinah in 2012.