Rory McIlroy's close friend explains snubbing golf star after second Masters win

Jack Otway
Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:53:45 +0000

Shane Lowry has revealed he was unable to bring himself to join the celebrations following Rory McIlroy's Masters triumph last Sunday.

The 36-year-old McIlroy secured his second green jacket, becoming the first player since Tiger Woods in 2002 to claim consecutive victories at Augusta National.

Lowry, who had positioned himself in fourth place through three rounds, endured a catastrophic final day at the major championship.

The Irishman's challenge disintegrated as he carded a six-over 80, sending him tumbling down the leaderboard to a share of 30th place.

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Despite his close bond with McIlroy as a fellow European Ryder Cup representative, Lowry confessed the crushing disappointment left him unable to toast his friend's success.

"I texted him on Sunday night, and I said, 'Honestly, I'm so happy for you, but I don't have it in me tonight to go over and celebrate'," Lowry told Golf Channel.

"I was feeling a bit down and dejected a little bit, so I just stayed at home with my crew, but I'll see him in a couple of weeks in Florida."

The admission marks a stark contrast to the previous year's Masters, when Lowry had visited McIlroy's residence bearing a case of wine following the Northern Irishman's first Augusta victory.

"Obviously, you know the stories from last year. I called over to [McIlroy's] house with a case of wine and all that," Lowry explained.

The pair have developed a strong friendship on the PGA Tour, with their families also becoming close.

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During the traditional Par-Three tournament ahead of this year's Masters, Lowry and McIlroy were joined by Tommy Fleetwood, while their wives Wendy, Erica and Clare caddied for their husbands as their children played across the course.

Beyond their Ryder Cup duties for Europe, the duo have represented Ireland together at the Olympics and traditionally compete as partners at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.

Their partnership proved successful when they claimed the PGA Tour team event on their first attempt in 2024.

However, Lowry will line up alongside LIV Golf returnee Brooks Koepka at next week's tournament after McIlroy removed it from his 2026 schedule.

Lowry returned to competitive action at the RBC Heritage this week while McIlroy opted to skip the event following his emotional Augusta triumph.

The 2019 Open champion opened with a one-under 70 at Harbour Town, leaving him seven strokes adrift of leader Ludvig Aberg.

"It's been a tough few days," Lowry admitted. "I felt like I played a lot of good golf last week and got really nothing out of it."

The Irishman, who has not secured an individual victory since 2022, did claim a piece of Masters history during the tournament.

His hole-in-one at the par-3 sixth during the third round made him the first golfer to record multiple aces at Augusta, adding to his 2016 effort at the 16th.