Irish Open champion Shane Lowry speaks during the trophy presentation as US President Donald Trump looks on
Doonbeg (Ireland) (AFP) - Shane Lowry won the Irish Open title in record-breaking style on Sunday as US President Donald Trump watched the home hero’s triumph at his Doonbeg course.
Lowry carded a final round total of 63 and finished 23 under par for the tournament, securing victory by 11 strokes to end his four-year wait for another individual title.
The 39-year-old Irish star had not lifted a trophy since the BMW PGA Championship in 2022.
Lowry’s margin of victory at Doonbeg surpassed the previous tournament record set when Bernhard Langer won by 10 shots in Portmarnock 39 years ago.
“This year has been quite difficult on the course for me. I had a few chances to win. To come here this week and do this… I just don’t do things in half-measures,” said Lowry, who shot a course record 62 on Friday.
“I can’t believe I’m standing here on top of the leaderboard. A lot of things went right but this has been the most spectacular week for me. It’s just mad. I can’t believe it.”
After winning the Irish Open as an amateur in 2009, the world number 53 was able to celebrate his long-awaited second title at the event.
The 2019 British Open champion left Patrick Reed and Joaquin Niemann – who shared second place – trailing in his wake in a dominant display.
“My wife and my kids are back in Florida. 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,” Lowry said.
“I can’t wait to bring a trophy home. My daughter is always asking, when are you going to bring a trophy home. So I’m going to bring a trophy home.”
Having watched Lowry sink the final putt on the 18th green from the patio of his VIP suite with his sons Eric and Don Jr, Trump was part of the trophy presentation ceremony.
After completing his political engagements in Dublin, avid golf fan Trump had made a dramatic landing at Doonbeg on Saturday aboard helicopter Marine One.
The 80-year-old has owned the Trump International Links course on Ireland’s west coast since 2014.
Trump revealed that he had had dinner with Lowry and six-time major champion Rory McIlroy on Saturday evening, telling them how he wanted to watch Lowry win.
“Shane played unbelievable. Doonbeg and frankly, Ireland itself has been so incredible, so inviting, and we’re very honoured by presenting you with a great course. It’s been great,” Trump said during the trophy ceremony.