Shane Lowry delivered an extraordinary performance at the Amgen Irish Open, winning by a staggering eleven strokes and posting a seven‑under‑par 63 on Sunday to finish an astonishing 23 under par for the tournament. This triumph marked Lowry's seventh professional title and his second Irish Open win, the first of which came in 2009 when he captured the trophy as a 22‑year‑old amateur.
The 2024 edition was made even more memorable as former U.S. President Donald Trump personally handed Lowry the trophy on the 18th green. Lowry's victory was a much‑needed comeback after a season riddled with near‑misses and painful setbacks. Earlier in the year he had a double‑bogey on the final hole of the Dubai Invitational, costing him the win by two strokes, and he saw a three‑stroke lead evaporate at the Cognizant Classic after two disastrous double‑bogeys in the closing holes.
Those disappointments made his dominant display at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg all the more satisfying. Entering the final round, Lowry already held a comfortable four‑stroke lead. He used that cushion to play aggressively, adding eight birdies and limiting himself to 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—ignited the crowd, and he capped the round with a long‑range birdie on the 18th to seal the win.
His total of 23 under par set a new tournament record and underscored his mastery of the challenging coastal links layout. During the prize‑giving ceremony, Trump addressed the assembled spectators, proclaiming that he had spoken with Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin about removing tariffs on Irish whiskey.
The crowd responded with enthusiastic chants of "USA," while Irish ministers for sport and state, including Charlie McConalogue, stood beside the former president on the green. Lowry, visibly moved, thanked his family for their unwavering support, noting that his daughter often asks when he will bring a trophy home.
"I’m bringing one back for you," he said, smiling. Lowry’s commanding lead was built on a remarkable second‑round 62, which broke the course record and gave him a sizable advantage heading into Sunday. His nearest rival, Jacob Skov Olesen, faltered with a three‑over 73, dropping down the leaderboard.
Patrick Reed and Rasmus Neergaard‑Petersen posted impressive closing rounds of 64 and 63 respectively, earning second and third place, while Joaquin Niemann shared the runner‑up spot with Reed at 12 under par. Other notable performances included England’s Alex Fitzpatrick, who tied for seventh at nine under, and Sergio Garcia, who finished six under after a closing 64. Robert MacIntyre, Matt Wallace and several others also posted solid scores.
Jon Rahm managed four under, and defending champion Rory McIlroy, after a disappointing week, posted a respectable 67 in the final round to finish one under par. McIlroy reflected on his round, saying it gave him confidence heading into next week’s BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, a venue where he won in 2014 and has been runner‑up three times. McIlroy explained, "I saw enough good stuff this week to give me encouragement going into next week. It’s a course I know well and have had success on.
Obviously this wasn’t the week I wanted, but I don’t feel far away and I feel good heading into Wentworth. I think my iron play was a lot better, my wedge play was pretty good, but the greens were a struggle. I need a little time on the putting surface to get familiar again." The DP World Tour now moves to Wentworth in Surrey for the BMW PGA Championship, the tour’s flagship event.
Fans can follow live coverage of all four rounds, with featured groups broadcasting from 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.
Those without a Sky subscription can explore alternative streaming options or take advantage of recent Sky Sports deals that offer contract‑free access. For golfers looking to experience a round on a world‑class course, there are now 1,700 courses across the UK and Ireland available for booking at competitive rates. By entering a city, course name, or postal code, players can find nearby options and secure tee times online.
Overall, Lowry’s eleven‑stroke victory not only highlighted his resilience after a tumultuous season but also cemented his status as one of Ireland’s premier golfers. His record‑setting performance, combined with the high‑profile trophy presentation by Donald Trump, ensured that the 2024 Irish Open will be remembered as a landmark moment in the sport’s recent history.