Golf Mar 26, 2026

PGA Tour: Shane Lowry collapses in Cognizant Classic closing stages as Nico Echavarria claims Florida crown

👤
By Admin
Sports Journalist
PGA Tour: Shane Lowry collapses in Cognizant Classic closing stages as Nico Echavarria claims Florida crown

Shane Lowry lost a three-shot lead with two double-bogeys on the 16th and 17th to hand Nico Echavarria the title in the final round of the Cognizant Classic in Florida.

Lowry, the joint-overnight leader following a bogey-free 63 on Saturday, was in a commanding position after making four birdies and an eagle at the 10th over the first 13 holes.

But the Irishman was undone by consecutive double-bogeys at the par-four 16th and par-three 17th, both resulting from tee shots that drifted way right and into the water.

That swiftly ended Lowry's title hopes and meant he had to settle for a three-way share of second.

"I'm obviously extremely disappointed. I had the tournament in my hands, and I threw it away," Lowry said.

"What more can I say? That's twice this year now so far. I'm getting good at it.

"I played unbelievable all day, and one bad shot on 16 completely threw me for the last three holes. It's never happened to me before.

"I said to [my caddie] Darren (Reynolds), how do I feel like this now when I went through what I did last September in Bethpage and got through that fine.

"But I beat myself today. I hit two really bad shots at the wrong time, and that's what this course does to you."

Echavarria, on the other hand, claimed his third career PGA Tour title with a 66, putting him at 17 under thanks to an impressive bogey-free weekend for the Colombian.

"It was a blessing today," Echavarria said.

"I didn't have my best off the tee, but I was able to manage.

"I had some good breaks. To win out here, sometimes you have to have good breaks - if you're not Scottie Scheffler that hits it every time in the perfect place! So I'm happy with how it went."

Lowry shared second place on 15 under with American duo Austin Smotherman - the other joint-overnight leader - and Taylor Moore.

Brooks Koepka also roared back up the standings with a course-best 65 as he continues to find his form after his recent return to the PGA Tour from LIV Golf.

"Yeah, I played really solid the last three days," Koepka said.

"Didn't quite hit it that great yesterday, but just controlling shots I think a lot better.

"Putter obviously has gotten better. I haven't looked at the stats, but just that little adjustment Thursday night made a huge difference.

"Finally found some confidence. I think that's the one thing that's been lacking."

Jordan Smith and Aaron Rai ended up as the highest-placed Englishmen, after Smith's impressive final-round 68 tied him with Rai at 23rd on the leaderboard.

Watch the PGA Tour, majors and more throughout the season live on Your Site Golf. or .

Tags:

golf news

Share this article

Related Posts

Scottie Scheffler: How latest PGA Tour victory and passing $100m milestone strengthened Tiger Woods comparisons

Scottie Scheffler: How latest PGA Tour victory and passing $100m milestone strengthened Tiger Woods comparisons

Scottie Scheffler further asserted himself as the dominant force in men's golf with a winning start to the PGA Tour season, bringing him to more caree...

Brooks Koepka's PGA Tour return explained: How LIV Golf departure led to new Returning Member Program

Brooks Koepka's PGA Tour return explained: How LIV Golf departure led to new Returning Member Program

Brooks Koepka being welcomed back to the PGA Tour will divide opinion within the golfing world, but why has he been allowed to return after leaving LI...

LIV Golf announces enlarged field and increased relegation amid chase for Official World Golf Ranking points

LIV Golf announces enlarged field and increased relegation amid chase for Official World Golf Ranking points

LIV Golf have confirmed tweaks for 2026 that appear aimed at supporting the competition's application to receive Official World Golf Ranking points.LI...

TGL golf: Billy Horschel finds final-hole eagle as Atlanta Drive GC beat New York Golf Club in season opener

TGL golf: Billy Horschel finds final-hole eagle as Atlanta Drive GC beat New York Golf Club in season opener

Billy Horschel delivered a dramatic final-hole eagle to help Atlanta Drive GC make a winning start to their TGL title defence with a 6-4 victory over...

Jon Rahm explains why he has not signed LIV release to play on DP World Tour: 'I'll play four tournaments, not six'

Jon Rahm explains why he has not signed LIV release to play on DP World Tour: 'I'll play four tournaments, not six'

Jon Rahm has accused the DP World Tour of "extorting players" and says he will not sign a deal that allows him to play on the circuit and in LIV Golf...

Rich Beem on Tiger Woods' playing return at The Masters and possible Ryder Cup captaincy in Adare Manor, in County Limerick

Rich Beem on Tiger Woods' playing return at The Masters and possible Ryder Cup captaincy in Adare Manor, in County Limerick

After Tiger Woods teased golf fans by dropping a hint that he could make a stunning return at the Masters, Rich Beem dismissed the idea, saying: "you...