Shane Lowry delivered a breathtaking performance at the Amgen Irish Open, clinching victory by an astonishing eleven strokes. The Irish native, who enjoys strong support from the local crowd, posted a flawless seven‑under‑par 63 on Sunday, which brought his total to an impressive 23 under par for the tournament. This win marks Lowry's seventh title on the professional circuit and his second Irish Open victory. His first came back in 2009 when he was just a 22‑year‑old amateur.
This time, the trophy was presented by none other than U.S. President Donald Trump, who was on hand to hand over the prize.
Lowry's triumph is especially meaningful given the series of near‑misses that plagued his season earlier in the year. He suffered a costly double‑bogey on the final hole of the Dubai Invitational, which dropped him two strokes short of the win, and later saw a three‑stroke lead evaporate at the Cognizant Classic after two consecutive double‑bogeys on the closing holes.
The Irish Open therefore represents a much‑needed return to the winner’s circle. From the moment Lowry teed off on the final day at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, the outcome seemed inevitable. He entered Sunday with a four‑stroke cushion and proceeded to widen that margin with a masterful round, while President Trump observed the action for the second day in a row.
During the ceremony, crowds cheered for Trump and repeatedly shouted "USA" as he announced that he was working to eliminate tariffs on Irish whiskey, a pledge he claimed to have discussed with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was present on the 18th green alongside the Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue. Lowry's final round featured eight birdies and just a single bogey on the ninth hole.
He dazzled spectators with two spectacular 45‑foot putts—one on the par‑three seventh and another on the par‑four 15th—sparking a roar from the gallery. He capped the round with a long‑range birdie on the last hole, sealing his dominant performance. When asked about his week, an emotional Lowry reflected on the challenges he had faced.
"This year has been quite difficult on the course for me," he said. "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." He also spoke about the personal support that helped him persevere. "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 heading into Sunday was largely built on a second‑round 62, which set a new course record on Friday. That explosive round gave him a sizable buffer that proved decisive. His nearest rival, Jacob Skov Olesen, who was sitting at 12 under par and four shots behind after the third round, faltered on the final day with a three‑over 73, slipping down the leaderboard.
Patrick Reed posted a respectable 64 and 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, while Neergaard‑Petersen trailed by a single stroke.
England's Alex Fitzpatrick was tied for seventh at nine under, and Sergio Garcia's closing 64 placed him at six under, matching the scores of Robert MacIntyre, Matt Wallace, and several others. Jon Rahm finished four under par, and defending champion Rory McIlroy concluded his campaign with a respectable 67, one under par, after a disappointing week.
McIlroy expressed optimism about the upcoming BMW PGA 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 on to Surrey for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, where the world's top golfers will compete for the next flagship title. Fans can follow live coverage of all four rounds, with featured groups broadcasting from 7:30 a.m.
each Thursday. For those without a Sky subscription, there are alternative streaming options and deals available.
Golf enthusiasts are also invited to book a round at any of the 1,700 courses across the United Kingdom and Ireland, with a simple search by course name, city, or postal code. This provides an easy way for fans to experience the sport firsthand after enjoying the excitement of the professional tour.