Shane Lowry delivered a commanding performance at the Amgen Irish Open, clinching victory by an astonishing eleven strokes. The Irish native, who enjoys strong support from the home crowd, posted a seven‑under‑par 63 on Sunday, bringing his total to an impressive 23 under par for the tournament.
This win marks Lowry's seventh career title and his second Irish Open championship. His first came back in 2009 when he was a 22‑year‑old amateur. This time, the trophy was presented by U.S.
President Donald Trump, adding a political spotlight to the sporting celebration. Lowry’s triumph comes after a series of heartbreaking near‑misses earlier in the season. He suffered a costly double‑bogey on the final hole of the Dubai Invitational, which dropped him two strokes short of the win, and he saw a three‑stroke lead evaporate at the Cognizant Classic after two consecutive double‑bogeys on the closing three holes. The Irish Open therefore represents a much‑needed return to the winner’s circle.
From the outset at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Lowry looked unassailable. He entered the final round with a four‑stroke cushion and expanded that margin with a flawless round, while President Trump observed the action for the second day in a row.
Spectators cheered for the American leader and repeatedly shouted "USA" as he announced plans to lift tariffs on Irish whiskey, a move he said he discussed with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was present on the 18th green alongside sport minister Charlie McConalogue. During his final round, Lowry recorded eight birdies and only a single bogey, which came on the ninth hole. His long‑range putting was a highlight, featuring two spectacular 45‑foot putts on the par‑three seventh and the par‑four 15th that sent the crowd into a frenzy. He capped the day with another distant birdie on the 18th, sealing the win in dramatic fashion.
"This year has been quite difficult on the course for me," Lowry said, visibly emotional after his victory. "I've had a few chances to win, and there have been some really tough times.
To come here this week and do this, I don't do things by half measures! I can't believe I'm standing here with that leaderboard.
This has been the most spectacular week. It has been unreal.
When things are not going well at this level, it's hard at home as well, but my wife's been a huge support, and my kids. I just love them so much and I'm so happy for them. I can't wait to bring a trophy home.
My daughter always asks me when I'm going to bring a trophy home, so yes, I'm going to bring one home." Lowry’s dominant position heading into Sunday was largely built on a course‑record 62 in the second round, which gave him a sizable cushion. Meanwhile, his closest rival, Jacob Skov Olesen, fell back after posting a three‑over 73 on the final day, slipping from 12 under to a lower standing. Patrick Reed’s closing 64 and Rasmus Neergaard‑Petersen’s 63 were strong enough for second and third place respectively, but Lowry’s lead was already insurmountable.
Joaquin Niemann shared second place with Reed at 12 under, while Neergaard‑Petersen trailed by one stroke. England’s Alex Fitzpatrick finished tied for seventh at nine under, and Sergio García’s final‑round 64 left him at six under, matching the scores of Robert MacIntyre and Matt Wallace among others.
Jon Rahm ended the tournament at four under, and defending champion Rory McIlroy managed a best round of 67, finishing one under par for the week. McIlroy reflected that his final round gave him confidence heading into next week’s BMW Championship at Wentworth, a venue where he captured the title in 2014 and has been runner‑up three times since. "I've seen enough good stuff this week to give me encouragement going into next week," McIlroy said.
"It's a golf course that I know well and one I've had success on. Obviously this wasn't the week that I wanted but, at the same time, I don't feel too far away and I feel good going into Wentworth. I thought I hit the ball pretty well for the most part.
A couple of bad decisions off the tees yesterday but, overall, my iron play was a lot better, my wedge play was pretty good for the most part and obviously it was a struggle on the greens. That was the difficult thing and why I wasn't able to get myself into contention. I need a little bit of time on the putting green the next couple days and to get familiar with the greens at Wentworth again." The DP World Tour now moves to Surrey for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, the next flagship event on the calendar. Fans can follow live coverage of all four rounds, with featured groups broadcasting from 7:30 a.m.
on Thursday. For those without Sky subscriptions, streaming options and the latest deals are available to ensure continued access to the tournament action.
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