Lowry sets sights on Tokyo 2020

Shane Lowry says he is hoping to represent Ireland at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo after swerving the Rio Games this year.

Lowry, who is the world number 36, was expected to participate in Brazil but instead decided to withdraw from the event in South America over fears of the mosquito-spread Zika virus.

Many other high-profile names pulled out of the tournament, with Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott among the absentees.

However, Justin Rose ensured golf’s return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904 went well.

The Englishman managed to hold off Sweden’s Henrik Stenson to take gold in a thrilling finish and Lowry admits there is a slight sense of regret after watching the finale.

Ireland’s rising star is now hoping to be given the chance to compete for Ireland in four years’ time when the tournament will be held in Japan’s capital.

“I watched the finish to the Olympics on television on Sunday and there was a part of me wished I was there,” Lowry said in his latest column for the Irish Times.

“I think it was good for the Olympics going forward that we had players like Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson going at it down the stretch and hopefully I’ll be there in 2020 in Tokyo.”

Tagged Shane Lowry, Tokyo 2020