Open champ Lowry withdraws from WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational

Following his captivating championship performance at The Open in Northern Ireland this past weekend, Shane Lowry has withdrawn from the WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, the PGA Tour announced Tuesday.

Lowry won the event in 2015 when it was played at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, but has not competed in it since 2016. The reason for his withdrawal was not provided.

The 32-year-old climbed to No. 17 in the world golf rankings after winning his first major championship at Royal Portrush.

The Irishman has enjoyed a successful 2019, capturing the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January and finishing eighth at the PGA Championship in May.

The WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational begins Thursday in Memphis, Tenn. Despite Lowry's absence, 45 of the world's top 50 golfers are scheduled to compete.