Shane Lowry stole the show this past week at the Irish Open as the 39-year-old ended up finishing 11 shots clear at the top of the leaderboard at Doonbeg.
Lowry went into the Irish Open looking for his first individual victory on either the PGA Tour or DP World Tour since 2022. Of course, it has been a difficult year for the 2019 Open Championship winner on the course.
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But he took all of the drama out of the occasion on Sunday, with Lowry’s birdie on the 72nd hole moving him 11 shots clear of the rest of the field.
However, it was not a flawless week for Lowry.
Shane Lowry was criticised after making a mistake at the Irish Open
Lowry came in for criticism right at the end of the third round after a clip emerged showing him claiming that some of the volunteers deserved to get hit following a wayward drive.
Lowry did make sure to shout fore. Nevertheless, it was a poor look from him, particularly as it was not a good tee shot. Lowry went on to try and defend his comments after sealing victory.
Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images
There is no question at all that he made a big mistake. However, those criticising Lowry need to consider what they want the PGA Tour to look like.
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Lowry is far from perfect, particularly in the heat of the battle. He can come across as a prickly character who is not afraid to let his frustration boil over.
But no one can question what the game means to Shane Lowry.
The PGA Tour will always need players like Shane Lowry
He is the player who will dance around the green through sheer ecstasy after holing the putt to retain the Ryder Cup for Europe after what had threatened to be a nightmare day for Luke Donald’s men.
Many will remember the look on his face after he hit his approach into 15 during his singles match with Russell Henley where he was simply desperate for the shot to make the green.
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And it was fantastic to see just what winning the Irish Open meant to a player as decorated as Lowry this past week. Some would have been forgiven for assuming he had just won a second major based on the way he celebrated the victory.
Some players clearly benefit from being stoic on the golf course. There is no doubt that Scottie Scheffler is a better player because he is usually able to keep his emotions in check.
But the PGA Tour desperately needs the players with an edge to them, too. They may cross the line from time to time, but they help make tournaments so much more interesting.
The PGA Tour and DP World Tour are definitely in a better place for having Shane Lowry.
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