The Shotgun Start Shane Lowry's Florida meltdown, PGA National setup issues, & the U.S. Open returns to the midwest
Mar 2, 2026
A wild final-round collapse at PGA National and a shot-by-shot look at the infamous Bear Trap. Debate over course setup and tour control after preferred lies and overseeding issues. Coverage of clutch play as Nico Echavarria seals a win and international victors earn Open spots. Reactions to the USGA dumping long-range site plans, including Inverness for a midcentury U.S. Open.
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Lowry's Bear Trap Meltdown Reveals Closing Fragility
- Shane Lowry experienced a clear meltdown closing out the Cognizant Classic, losing a multi-shot lead after hitting multiple irons into water and making costly doubles.
- Andy Johnson and Brendan Porath dissected the 16–17 collapse, noting a catastrophic three-iron on 16 and a lucky Nico Echavarria birdie on 17 that flipped the leaderboard.
Mental Scar Tissue Can Turn Good Players Hesitant
- The hosts argue mental doubt compounds after a high-profile collapse, making future closing opportunities rarer and psychologically heavier.
- Brendan and Andy note Lowry's swing issues infiltrated full shots, not just putting, raising concern about repeat problems in future contention.
Stay Present To Avoid Embarrassment-Driven Chokes
- Stay present under pressure to avoid the fear-of-embarrassment trap that causes players to choke when a win is expected.
- Brendan cited a psychologist's view that expectation breeds embarrassment, which often ruins routine three- or four-foot putts.