Shane Lowry put himself right in the mix at the Irish Open with a strong opening round 69 on Thursday.
Lowry sits just two shots back from clubhouse leaders Bernd Wiesberger, Daniel Brown and Adrien Saddier at the K Club, with the Irish crowd showing their appreciation for the home hero.
Recommended
Starting at the 10th, Lowry had a mixed start to his round, going +1 through his first eight holes. However, a birdie on the 18th just before the turn was to set him on a brilliant run to the end of his round.
Lowry birdied three on the back nine, with a massive roar meeting his birdie at the last that saw him finish the day three under par.
A closing birdie for Shane Lowry gets a big roar from the home support, and moves him within two of the lead
Follow all the action at the K Club live on @RTE2 and @RTEplayer
📺 https://t.co/XnOP6grnB7 pic.twitter.com/NSD7pM8f2u
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) September 4, 2025
It was a mega finish to the day from Lowry, amid what has been a frustrating season for the Offaly man.
The 2019 Open champion has been there or thereabouts on several occasions this year, including at April’s Masters, but has failed to get over the line at any tournaments so far.
His frustration has also gotten the better of him more than once this year, with petulant mid-round outbursts at multiple Majors, and a tense answer when asked about Rory McIlroy after a difficult third round at the Masters.
Lowry’s failure to win any tournaments this year when several have been within his grasp has led to some criticism, but he has nonetheless secured a place on Team Europe for the upcoming Ryder Cup.
Speaking on Sky Sports after Shane Lowry’s first round on Thursday, his compatriot Paul McGinley issued a staunch defence, rubbishing any concerns about the Irishman’s form.
READ HERE: Sergio Garcia Heavily Criticised Over Petulant Reason Behind Irish Open Withdrawal
READ HERE: Shane Lowry Had Some Words Of Warning For American Fans Ahead Of The Ryder Cup
Paul McGinley bigs up Shane Lowry’s chances at Irish Open
Though he has not managed to secure victory at any tournaments this year, Shane Lowry’s form has impressed Paul McGinley.
McGinley was on punditry duty at the K Club, and said he had no “worry” about Lowry despite the recent question marks.
In fact, he would go on to tip Lowry for a second Irish Open victory this weekend.
Shane’s form has been pretty okay. He did okay in the Tour Championship a few weeks ago over in America.
This is a golf course he plays well on. It’s a golf course that suits him, he plays here regularly, and it’s a golf course he came third on two years ago. So he’s used to it around here. I’m expecting him to have a really strong weekend.
I’m expecting Rory to get better on the weekend, and then both of them are going to go to Wentworth, where both have won in the past. Again, I’m expecting good performances from them there. So there’s no worry about them or form or stuff like that.
A few years ago, Shane came in here, he was a pick on the Ryder Cup team. Some people were saying he shouldn’t have been on the team and he was fortunate to get a pick and then he went and came third here. That’s not the case here.
He just missed out on qualifying for the team. His form has been pretty decent. He’s had a very good season. Yes, he he hasn’t won, but it’ll come.
I wouldn’t be surprised at all. If I was to pick anybody at this stage, Shane would be the guy that I would pick who could go on and win this week. You’re never going to rule out Rory, of course, but Shane does look like he’s got his eye in. A lot of things are lining up for him.
Should Shane Lowry or Rory McIlroy manage to claim victory at the Irish Open come Sunday, it would certainly be a hugely popular result with the home crowd.
McIlroy finished his first round two shots back from Lowry on -1.
Lowry tees off at 12:50 on Friday, with McIlroy in the following group at 13:00.
SEE ALSO: In Pictures: Rugby And GAA Heroes Take To K Club For Irish Open Pro-Am
