Shane Lowry delivered an astonishing performance at the Amgen Irish Open, securing a record‑breaking win by a margin of eleven strokes. The Irish native, who enjoys strong support from the home crowd, posted a flawless seven‑under‑par 63 on the final day, bringing his total to an impressive 23 under par for the tournament. This triumph marks Lowry's seventh professional title and his second Irish Open crown – his first came back in 2009 when he was just a 22‑year‑old amateur.
In a memorable ceremony, former U.S. President Donald Trump handed Lowry the trophy, adding a political flourish to the sporting celebration. Lowry's victory arrives 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 Irishman’s resurgence at Doonbeg therefore feels especially rewarding. From the moment he walked onto the tee at Trump International Golf Links, Lowry looked in control. He entered Sunday with a four‑stroke cushion and then widened that gap with a masterful round that left no doubt about the outcome.
Trump, who was present for the second day in a row, watched the drama unfold from the 18th green. During the prize‑giving ceremony, spectators cheered for Trump and chanted "USA" as he announced plans to eliminate tariffs on Irish whiskey, a promise he said he discussed with Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who was also on the green alongside the Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue. Lowry’s final‑day card featured eight birdies and 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.
"This year has been quite difficult on the course for me," Lowry said, his voice trembling with emotion. "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 has 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 dominance stemmed from his second‑round 62, which set a new course record and gave him a substantial lead heading into the final day. His nearest rival, Jacob Skov Olesen, who sat at 12 under after the third round, faltered with a three‑over 73 on Sunday, dropping further down the leaderboard. Patrick Reed posted a strong closing 64, while Rasmus Neergaard‑Petersen recorded a 63, earning them the second and third spots respectively. Joaquin Niemann shared second place with Reed at 12 under, with Neergaard‑Petersen one shot behind.
England's Alex Fitzpatrick was tied for seventh at nine under. Sergio Garcia’s closing 64 placed him at six under, matching the scores of Robert MacIntyre, Matt Wallace, and several other competitors. Former world number one Jon Rahm finished at four under, and defending champion Rory McIlroy managed a solitary round of 67, ending his title defence at one under.
McIlroy reflected on his performance, saying the final round gave him confidence heading into next week’s 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 shifts to Surrey for the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, the next marquee event on the calendar.
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