Shane Lowry delivered a commanding performance at the Amgen Irish Open, clinching the title with an astonishing 11‑stroke margin. The Irish favorite carded a spectacular seven‑under‑par 63 on Sunday, finishing the tournament at an impressive 23‑under‑par.
This triumph marks Lowry's seventh career win and his second Irish Open title, the first of which came in 2009 when he was a 22‑year‑old amateur. The trophy was presented by U.S.
President Donald Trump, adding a political flair to the celebration. Lowry's victory was a much‑needed resurgence after a string of heartbreaking near‑misses earlier in the season. He had squandered a chance at the Dubai Invitational, where a double‑bogey on the final hole cost him the win by two strokes, and he suffered a dramatic collapse at the Cognizant Classic, blowing a three‑stroke lead with three holes remaining after recording two consecutive double‑bogeys.
Those setbacks made his dominant display at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg all the more satisfying. Entering the final round, Lowry held a comfortable four‑shot lead. He expanded that advantage with a flawless round that featured eight birdies and only a single bogey on the ninth hole. Two spectacular 45‑foot putts—one on the par‑three seventh and another on the par‑four 15th—sent the crowd into a frenzy, and he capped the day with a long‑range birdie on the 18th to seal the win.
During the prize‑giving ceremony, President Trump addressed the assembled fans, proclaiming that he was working to remove tariffs on Irish whiskey after discussions with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was also present on the 18th green alongside Minister for State Charlie McConalogue. The audience responded with enthusiastic chants of "USA" as Trump made his remarks. An emotional Lowry reflected on his challenging season: "This year has been quite difficult on the course for me. 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 commanding lead was largely built on his record‑breaking second‑round 62, which set a new course benchmark. While his closest rival, Jacob Skov Olesen, slipped with a three‑over 73 on Sunday, other contenders posted strong numbers. Patrick Reed recorded a closing 64, and Rasmus Neergaard‑Petersen posted a 63, earning them second and third place respectively. Joaquin Niemann shared second place with Reed at 12‑under, while Neergaard‑Petersen finished one shot behind.
England's Alex Fitzpatrick tied for seventh at nine‑under, and veteran Sergio Garcia posted a closing 64 to finish six‑under, matching the scores of Robert MacIntyre, Matt Wallace, and several others. Jon Rahm ended the tournament at four‑under, while defending champion Rory McIlroy managed a best round of 67 on the final day, finishing the week at one‑under and acknowledging that his performance gave him optimism ahead of the upcoming BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. McIlroy said, "I've seen enough good stuff this week to give me encouragement going into next week.
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 shifts to Surrey for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, where the field will include many of the same players who contested the Irish Open.
Fans can follow live coverage of all four rounds of the flagship event, with featured groups broadcasting from 7:30 a.m. each Thursday. For those without Sky subscriptions, alternative streaming options are available, and golfers can also book tee times at over 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland through the tour's partner platforms.
Overall, Lowry's triumph not only showcases his resilience after a tumultuous season but also underscores his ability to dominate on home soil. His 11‑stroke victory, record‑setting rounds, and the high‑profile trophy presentation by President Trump have cemented this Irish Open as a memorable chapter in his career and a highlight of the 2024 DP World Tour calendar.