Shane Lowry shares honest reason behind avoiding Rory McIlroy Masters celebration after tough Augusta finish ruined his week (Image via Getty)
Shane Lowry had a hard time after the Masters. Even though his close friend Rory McIlroy won big at Augusta, Lowry said he could not celebrate with him. McIlroy made history by winning back-to-back titles at Augusta National Golf Club, something last done by Tiger Woods in 2002.
But for Lowry, the moment felt very different.
Shane Lowry explains why he skipped Rory McIlroy celebration after Masters heartbreak at Augusta National
Lowry was in a strong place after three rounds. He was fourth and still in the fight. But Sunday changed everything. He had a very tough final round and finished far down the leaderboard after shooting six over.Because of that, he said he did not feel right celebrating. Speaking to Golf Channel, as reported by the Irish Independent, Lowry shared his honest feelings.“I texted him on Sunday night, and I said, ‘Honestly, I am so happy for you, but I do not have it in me tonight to go over and celebrate.’”He added that he felt low after the round and chose to stay home instead of joining McIlroy. He said he would see him later in Florida.This is not the first time emotions ran high. Last year, Lowry was upset when reporters kept asking him about McIlroy while he was still trying to win his own round. He made it clear he wanted to focus on his game. Still, their bond is strong. They are close friends on tour and spend time together with family as well.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry friendship stays strong despite Masters week ups and downs
Off the course, McIlroy and Lowry share a strong friendship. They often play together and even team up in events. In fact, they won the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2024 on their first try.During Masters week, they were also seen enjoying time with family at the Par-Three contest. Their wives — Erica McIlroy, Wendy Lowry, and Clare Fleetwood — walked the course together while kids ran around, showing a lighter side of the game.Lowry also created a special moment earlier in the week. He made a hole-in-one on the sixth hole. With that, he became the first player ever to record more than one ace at the Masters. His first came back in 2016.Even after the tough Sunday, Lowry said he played good golf overall but did not get the result he wanted. He returned to action at the RBC Heritage and shot one under in the opening round, still trying to find his rhythm again.Meanwhile, McIlroy skipped that event after his emotional win.
