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Andalucía Valderrama Masters: Top 10 power rankings

By Mike Randleman

SOTOGRANDE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 29: Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain tee's off at the 10th during the third round of the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama on October 29, 2011 in Sotogrande, Spain. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
SOTOGRANDE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 29: Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain tee's off at the 10th during the third round of the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama on October 29, 2011 in Sotogrande, Spain. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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Andalucía Masters
SOTOGRANDE, SPAIN – OCTOBER 27: Shane Lowry of Ireland in action during the first round of the Andalucia Masters at Valderrama on October 27, 2011 in Sotogrande, Spain. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

Before missing the cut last week at the Italian Open, Shane Lowry was playing some of his best golf of the year.

Starting with a T7 at the Wyndham Championship in August, the 30-year-old Irishman hopped back across the pond to place T29, 7 and T25. For 2017, Lowry is 16-for-22 making the cut with three top-10s.

Lowry didn’t play at last year’s Open de España as he’s shifted more toward a PGA Tour schedule, but perhaps he can harken memories from solid showings as a baby-faced youngster at Valderrama. Lowry tied for 18th in 2010 and finished three off the lead in fourth place in 2011 after a Sunday 67.

If his game is sharp, Lowry will have his share of green light opportunities as he’s 33rd in driving accuracy (65.84 percent) and 34th in GIR (67.57 percent). Lowry’s short game is weak if either of those categories fail him, but his putter can keep him afloat if need be (10th strokes gained putting).

As one of the few top-100 players in the field, Lowry is a solid pick based on talent alone.

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