Historic Irish Open Win
Shane Lowry wins the Irish Open by an 11-shot margin after a historic final round.
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Key Points
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Lowry said his putting rescued him during Saturday’s five-under 65, particularly on a back nine where he needed only nine putts: “When I got out of position today my putter saved me.”
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Trump’s arrival caused a brief disruption to Lowry’s round: Lowry was delayed on the second hole and hit his approach while helicopter blades were sounding nearby before climbing a sand dune to watch the operation.
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Haotong Li was Lowry’s principal challenger after the second round, shooting a 63 that included an eagle on the fifth hole; Jacob Skov Olesen and Niklas Nørgaard also reached eight under par.
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Lowry’s course-record 62 was built on highly precise iron play: he birdied half the holes, with only three of his conversions coming from outside 10 feet, and opened the round with three straight birdies.
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The opening round had been played in severe Atlantic winds and took six hours to complete, making the calmer conditions in Lowry’s record-setting second round a notable contrast.
Shane Lowry won the 2026 Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links Ireland with a dominant performance, finishing at 23 under par and 11 shots ahead of second-place Patrick Reed TSN. The victory marked Lowry's first Irish Open title since winning as an amateur in 2009 — a 17-year wait that ended in spectacular fashion with a birdie on the 18th hole during Sunday's final round Golf Channel.
Lowry took control early with a course-record 62 in the second round, then extended his lead to four shots heading into Sunday. His putting proved decisive on Saturday, needing just nine putts on the back nine. "When I got out of position today my putter saved me," Lowry said Golf Channel. The 11-shot victory broke the previous Irish Open record for margin of victory Golf Channel.
Record-Setting Second Round Puts Lowry in Control
Lowry's 62 in the second round showcased exceptional iron play and precision. He birdied nine of the 18 holes, with only three birdies coming from outside 10 feet. The Irishman opened with three straight birdies and maintained momentum throughout. The previous day's opening round had been grueling — played in severe Atlantic winds and taking six hours to complete WRAL.
Jacob Skov Olesen and Haotong Li emerged as early challengers. Li shot a 63 in the second round with an eagle on the fifth hole, while Olesen and Niklas Nørgaard both reached eight under par. Lowry's record round gave him breathing room heading into the weekend The Score.
Saturday's 65 Extends Lead to Four Shots
Lowry shot five under on Saturday to build a commanding four-shot lead over Olesen entering the final round. The putter was the key — Lowry needed only nine putts on the back nine despite getting out of position several times. His course management and mental toughness proved unshakable Golf Channel.
A brief interruption came when President Donald Trump arrived at his nearby property on Saturday. Lowry was delayed on the second hole as helicopters landed, forcing him to play his approach shot amid the noise and commotion. The distraction barely fazed him Golf Channel.
Lowry Runs Away Sunday While McIlroy Fades
The final round saw Lowry pull away decisively. He sealed victory with a birdie on the 18th hole, finishing at 23 under par for 257 total strokes — seven shots better than the previous 72-hole record TSN. His 11-shot margin over Reed was the largest winning gap in Irish Open history Winnipeg Free Press.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy struggled with his putter and never mounted a challenge. The Ulsterman finished well off the pace as Lowry's precision and control proved overwhelming. The victory validated Lowry's status as one of golf's most consistent performers on his home soil Golf Channel.
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