Rory McIlroy explains absence as Shane Lowry cruises to first win in 4 years
Rory McIlroy explains absence as Shane Lowry cruises to first win in 4 years
Sam Frost Sun, September 13, 2026 at 8:17 PM UTC
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Rory McIlroy made a swift exit from Doonbeg (Image: Jasper Wax/Getty Images)
Rory McIlroy was conspicuously absent as Shane Lowry cruised to Irish Open victory and finally ended his four-year drought without a win.
Lowry controlled the tournament after posting a course-record eight-under-par 62 on Friday, and he mercilessly sealed the victory throughout the weekend. The Offaly native shot a 63 at Donald Trump's Doonbeg resort on Sunday to punctuate his commanding 11-shot triumph.
This marks Lowry's second win in his home open, 17 years following his initial success, when he prevailed as an amateur at Co. Louth Golf Club. He has since claimed a major championship, though his performances had declined sharply this season prior to this dominant showing.
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The images from Lowry's 2009 triumph in Baltray remain vivid, with McIlroy sprinting onto the green and spraying his youthful friend with Champagne.
That moment wasn't replicated on this occasion; McIlroy offered his regrets and departed after completing his final round. The six-time major winner was a non-factor this week, finishing far behind the leaders after battling on the greens, and he had concluded before Lowry began his final round.
Shane Lowry went on to win the Irish Open (Image: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
The world No. 2 departed swiftly to return to England and rejoin his wife, Erica, and daughter, Poppy.
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They maintain a residence on the Wentworth estate, where he will participate in next week's BMW PGA Championship. "I'm going to see my girls in London," McIlroy said.
"I'm going to get out of here quickly. They just got into London this morning, so I'll head over there, get back and get ready for next week."
McIlroy emphasized his complete support for his friend before leaving. "It would be absolutely incredible [if Lowry won].
Shane Lowry won on home turf (Image: Getty)
"He's had a couple of chances. He had a big chance earlier this year at the Cognizant. I felt like he never got going with his season after that. Knocked him back a little bit."
"To see him in contention out there, obviously the whole country would love to see him get it done, me included.
"It would be a great way to cap off [the week]. It would be an amazing thing for Shane after - he would tell you himself - struggling for most of the year after he didn't win at the Cognizant.
"We're all cheering him on, and hopefully he gets it done."
Source: “AOL Sports”
