Shane Lowry delivered an overwhelming performance at the Amgen Irish Open, clinching the title with an astonishing eleven‑stroke margin. The Irish favorite posted a blistering seven‑under‑par 63 on Sunday, finishing the tournament at 23 under par – a score that set a new benchmark for the event. This triumph marks Lowry's seventh professional win and his second Irish Open title, the first of which came back in 2009 when he was just a 22‑year‑old amateur. The trophy was presented to him by U.S.
President Donald Trump, who was on hand for the ceremony. Lowry's victory comes after a turbulent stretch earlier in the season, during which he endured several heartbreaking near‑misses. He lost the Dubai Invitational by two strokes after a double‑bogey on the final hole, and at the Cognizant Classic he squandered a three‑stroke lead with three holes remaining, finishing with two consecutive double‑bogeys.
The Irish Open win therefore represents a much‑needed return to the winner’s circle. From the moment he stepped onto the final day at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Lowry appeared in control. Entering Sunday with a four‑stroke cushion, he widened the gap with a flawless round, while President Trump observed the action for the second day in a row.
Spectators cheered for the former president, chanting "USA," as Trump announced that he was planning to lift tariffs on Irish whiskey after discussions with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was also present on the 18th green for the prize‑giving ceremony alongside Minister for State Charlie McConalogue. Lowry’s round featured eight birdies and a solitary bogey on the ninth hole. He thrilled the crowd with two spectacular 45‑foot putts – one on the par‑three seventh and another on the par‑four 15th – and sealed the day with a long‑range birdie on the final hole. "This year has been quite difficult on the course for me," Lowry said, visibly emotional after his win.
"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." A large part of Lowry's commanding lead stemmed from his second‑round 62 on Friday, which broke the course record and gave him a substantial cushion heading into the final day. His nearest rival, Jacob Skov Olesen, who was sitting at 12 under par and four strokes back after the third round, faltered on Sunday with a three‑over 73, slipping down the leaderboard. Patrick Reed posted a strong closing 64, while Rasmus Neergaard‑Petersen recorded a 63, earning them second and third place respectively, but Lowry's advantage was already insurmountable.
Joaquin Niemann shared second place with Reed at 12 under, with Neergaard‑Petersen just a shot behind. England's Alex Fitzpatrick was tied for seventh at nine under, while Sergio Garcia’s closing 64 left him at six under, matching the scores of Robert MacIntyre, Matt Wallace, and several others. Jon Rahm finished at four under, and defending champion Rory McIlroy managed a best round of 67 to end his title defence at one under par. McIlroy reflected on his performance, saying the final round gave him encouragement ahead of next week’s BMW Championship at Wentworth, a venue where he won in 2014 and has been runner‑up three times.
"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. Fans can continue to follow live coverage of all four rounds of the DP World Tour’s flagship event, with featured groups broadcasting from 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. For those without Sky, there are streaming options and the latest Sky Sports deals available.
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