Shane Lowry’s 2024 season was filled with highs, from his Zurich Classic victory with Rory McIlroy to his top finishes in majors and playoff events
He has carried that momentum into 2025, already securing a runner-up finish at Pebble Beach and positioning himself well at the Cognizant Classic.
With his elite short game, mental resilience, and proven ability to win on golf’s biggest stages, Lowry remains a serious contender for major championships and big PGA Tour victories.
As the season progresses, golf fans will be eager to see if he can build on his success and possibly add another major title to his résumé.
His chipping and putting helped him stay in the mix, setting him up for a strong weekend. Given his history at the event and his recent form, there’s a high chance he could secure another top finish—or even a victory.
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Shane Lowry Pokes Fun at Min Woo Lee’s ‘Dr. Chipinski’ Nickname
Shane Lowry, a former Champion Golfer of the Year, added some humor to the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, as he playfully mocked Min Woo Lee’s “Dr. Chipinski” nickname.1
After chipping in twice during the second round while playing alongside Lee, Lowry took to social media to share a lighthearted jab at his fellow competitor.
Following his second hole-out of the day, Lowry posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“Showing the junior doctor how it’s done today.”
This was accompanied by a repost of the PGA Tour’s video of his chip-in, tagging Lee’s account. The moment sparked engagement on social media, as fans appreciated the friendly banter between the two golfers.
Showing the junior doctor how it’s done today @Minwoo27Lee ☘️
— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) February 28, 2025
Mimicking the ‘Dr. Chipinski’ Celebration
One of the most entertaining moments of the round came when Lowry, after his ball dropped into the hole, turned toward Lee and imitated a phone gesture.
This mock celebration was a direct reference to Lee’s signature move after a chip-in, where he pretends to take a call as “Dr. Chipinski.”
Lowry’s imitation delighted the crowd and added a bit of flair to the competition. The Irish golfer, known for his sense of humor, seemed to enjoy playing into Lee’s well-established persona on the course.
Shane Lowry’s Strong Second Round Performance
Lowry finished his round with a three-under-par 68, which brought him to eight-under for the tournament heading into the weekend.2
The two chip-ins played a crucial role in his score, as he positioned himself near the top of the leaderboard.
With several leaders still on the course, Lowry remained in contention, hoping to make a push for victory in the final two rounds. His confidence and solid short game kept him in the mix against a competitive field.
While Lowry stole the spotlight with his antics, Min Woo Lee also had a strong performance on Friday. The Australian golfer shot a six-under-par 65, bouncing back from an even-par opening round on Thursday.
Lee’s second-round surge put him at six-under for the tournament, just two shots behind Lowry. The 26-year-old, who finished tied for second in the 2024 Cognizant Classic, aimed to improve on last year’s impressive result.
The Origin of ‘Dr. Chipinski’
Min Woo Lee has earned a reputation as one of the best chippers on tour, leading to the creation of his “Dr. Chipinski” nickname.
His ability to hole out from off the green has become a regular occurrence, and his signature phone-call celebration has become a fan favorite.
The nickname first emerged a few years ago, gaining traction on social media as fellow professionals and fans began calling on “Dr. Chipinski” for help with tricky chip shots.
It has since become a defining part of Lee’s brand, making him one of the most entertaining players to watch.
Lee’s Rise in the Official World Golf Ranking
Currently ranked 55th in the Official World Golf Ranking, Min Woo Lee has been making steady progress in his career.3
His combination of skill and showmanship has earned him a strong following on social media and within the golf community.
While his on-course antics bring excitement to the game, Lee has also been delivering solid performances on the PGA Tour. His steady rise in the rankings indicates that a breakthrough victory may not be far away.
Despite his growing reputation and multiple close calls, Min Woo Lee is still searching for his first PGA Tour victory. However, he has already tasted success on the European Tour, where he has won three times.
Two of his European Tour wins came in events co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australia, further proving his ability to compete at a high level.
Recent Success at the Australian PGA Championship
Lee’s most recent professional victory came in November 2023 when he won the Fortinet Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club.
The win reaffirmed his status as one of Australia’s top golfers and gave him momentum heading into the 2024 season.
As the Cognizant Classic continues, both Shane Lowry and Min Woo Lee remain in contention. Lowry, with his major championship pedigree, hopes to use his experience to chase another victory.
Meanwhile, Lee aims to build on his strong form and finally break through for his first PGA Tour win.
Regardless of the final outcome, their lighthearted interaction on Friday added a fun and entertaining element to the tournament. The battle between Lowry and “Dr. Chipinski” will be one to watch as the weekend rounds unfold.
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Shane Lowry Aims to Continue His 2024 Success in 2025
A Strong Foundation in 2024
Shane Lowry had an impressive 2024 season, solidifying his place as one of the top golfers in the world.
His consistent performances across the PGA Tour earned him a spot inside the top 20 of the World Golf Rankings, sitting at 18th heading into the Cognizant Classic.
Lowry’s ability to perform under pressure and deliver top finishes made him one of the most reliable players throughout the season.
One of Lowry’s most notable performances in 2024 was at the Cognizant Classic, where he finished tied for fourth place.
The event, held annually in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, is known for its challenging course conditions, yet Lowry handled them masterfully.
His precision on approach shots and clutch putting allowed him to secure a top-five finish, proving his ability to compete with the best.
Victory at the Zurich Classic with Rory McIlroy
A highlight of Lowry’s 2024 season was his victory at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, where he teamed up with fellow Irishman Rory McIlroy.
The duo showcased incredible chemistry, complementing each other’s strengths and securing the win in the PGA Tour’s premier team event.
This triumph not only added another PGA Tour title to Lowry’s résumé but also highlighted his ability to thrive in different formats of the game.
Lowry’s success wasn’t limited to regular PGA Tour events. He had strong showings in major championships, including a sixth-place finish at the Open Championship at Royal Troon.
Known for his links golf expertise, Lowry navigated the tough course conditions with precision, reaffirming his status as one of the best players in the world on links courses.
Another notable achievement was his tied-for-ninth finish at the TOUR Championship, which capped off the 2024 season.
His performance at East Lake Golf Club demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations, finishing among the elite golfers in the final FedEx Cup event.
Shane Lowry’s Career Highlights
The Memorable 2019 Open Championship Win
Lowry’s career-defining moment came in 2019 when he won The Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
The victory was historic, as it marked the first time since 1951 that The Open had been held in Northern Ireland.
In front of an enthusiastic home crowd, Lowry delivered a dominant performance, winning the tournament by six strokes.
His ability to handle the extreme pressure of playing in his home country while maintaining a high level of play was remarkable. That victory cemented his status as a major champion and a true force in the world of golf.
In addition to his Open Championship triumph and the 2024 Zurich Classic victory, Lowry has three career PGA Tour wins.
His ability to perform on some of the biggest stages has kept him among the world’s top golfers for several years.
His steady performances in both regular-season events and major championships have made him a formidable opponent on any course.
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A Promising Start to the 2025 Season
Lowry has carried his strong form from 2024 into the 2025 season, already making his presence felt early in the year. At the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, he put together an outstanding performance, finishing in solo second place, just two strokes behind Rory McIlroy.
His exceptional iron play and putting were on full display, proving that he remains a serious contender for big tournaments in 2025.
Heading into the Cognizant Classic, Lowry is once again in contention, thanks to an impressive display of short-game skills on Friday.
Elite Short Game and Chipping Skills
One of the biggest strengths in Lowry’s game is his short game, particularly his chipping ability. His skill around the greens allows him to save strokes in difficult situations, a crucial factor in competing at the highest level.
Lowry has repeatedly shown that he can handle pressure-packed moments, whether it’s contending in a major championship or playing in high-stakes PGA Tour events. His ability to remain composed and execute shots in critical situations sets him apart.
Throughout his career, Lowry has demonstrated great ball-striking ability, which enables him to hit greens in regulation and give himself plenty of birdie opportunities. His ability to shape shots and control ball flight makes him a threat on a variety of course setups.
His current form and recent results suggest that he is more than capable of adding to his major tally.
His performance at The Open Championship last year proved that he still has what it takes to compete with the best in the world. If he continues playing at this level, there’s no doubt that he will be in the mix when major season arrives.
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