Shane Lowry secures record 11-stroke victory at Irish Open

Prescience Media: Shane Lowry turned the Amgen Irish Open into a procession on Sunday, closing with a brilliant seven under 63 to claim a record 11 shot victory at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg.

The Irishman finished at 23 under par, securing his seventh career title and a second Irish Open crown, 17 years after he won the tournament as a 22 year old amateur.

This time, Lowry lifted the trophy as a seasoned professional, with US President Donald Trump presenting the silverware during an unusually high profile prizegiving ceremony.

Lowry began the final round with a four shot advantage and showed no sign of allowing the chasing pack back into the contest. Eight birdies, including remarkable 45 foot putts at the seventh and 15th, sent the home crowd into a frenzy before another birdie at the last completed a memorable finish.

His only blemish came at the ninth.

The scale of the victory was a fitting response to a season that has brought Lowry several painful near misses. He lost the Dubai Invitational by two shots after making a double bogey at the final hole, while at the Cognizant Classic he surrendered a three shot lead over the closing three holes with two double bogeys.

There was no such drama in Doonbeg.

“This year has been quite difficult on the course for me,” an emotional Lowry said. “I've had a few chances to win, and there's been some really tough times.

“To come here this week and do this, I don't do things by half measures. I can't believe I'm standing here with that leaderboard.”

Lowry’s victory was built largely on the second round, when he set the tone by breaking the course record with an eight under 62 on Friday.

Jacob Skov Olesen was Lowry’s nearest challenger overnight but could not maintain the pace, carding a three over 73 to fall away.

Patrick Reed closed with a 64 to finish second alongside Joaquin Niemann at 12 under, while Rasmus Neergaard Petersen’s closing 63 left him a shot further back in fourth.

For Lowry, though, the leaderboard had long since become secondary to the moment.

“This has been the most spectacular week. It has been unreal,” he said.

The victory was particularly emotional for his family, who have supported him through a difficult stretch.

“When things are not going well at this level, it's hard at home as well, but my wife's been a huge support, and my kids. I just love them so much and I'm so happy for them.”

Lowry then delivered the line his daughter had been waiting to hear.

“I can't wait to bring a trophy home. My daughter is always asking me when you're going to bring a trophy home. So, yes, I'm going to bring one home.”

The home crowd also witnessed an unusual political backdrop to the tournament, with Trump attending for a second consecutive day. During the celebrations, crowds chanted “USA” as Trump told spectators he was removing tariffs on Irish whiskey and said he had discussed the matter with Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, endured a disappointing defence of his title, finishing at one under and 22 shots behind Lowry. His closing 67 offered some encouragement ahead of next week’s BMW Championship at Wentworth, where he has enjoyed considerable success.

“This wasn't the week that I wanted but, at the same time, I don't feel too far away and I feel good going into Wentworth,” McIlroy said.

His attention now turns to improving his putting after a difficult week on the greens.

Lowry, meanwhile, leaves Doonbeg with something considerably more valuable: a trophy, a record margin of victory and the feeling that a difficult season has finally begun to turn.