Shane Lowry, the Irish home favorite, just put on a clinic Saturday, roaring to a four-shot lead heading into the final round of the Irish Open. And get this: none other than former US President Donald Trump himself touched down in Marine One to watch the drama unfold at the Doonbeg course, a spot he’s owned since 2014. Talk about turning up the heat on an already energized tournament!
Lowry’s Home Turf Takes a Wild Turn
Lowry, currently ranked world number 53, absolutely crushed it on Saturday. He dropped a brilliant five-under-par round of 65, thanks to some unreal putting, putting him at 16 under for the whole tournament. Can you believe it? The guy’s 39, and he’s clearly feeding off that home crowd energy. He snagged his home Open title back in 2009 as an amateur, and his only major win also came on Irish soil at Royal Portrush seven years ago. But honestly, he’s only won one individual event since then, so this performance? It feels different. Lowry himself was buzzing after his round, saying he “had so much fun out there on the back nine. The crowds were incredible.” He’s “looking forward to tomorrow,” saying it’s a “nice place to be” leading his home tournament. You just know he’s going to hear those cheers all the way home on Sunday.
The Presidential Buzz and McIlroy’s Take
As if Lowry’s dominant play wasn’t enough, Trump’s dramatic arrival after his political stuff in Dublin totally lit up the place. The golf fan president landed right on Ireland’s west coast, watched from above the 18th green with his sons Eric and Don Jr., and even applauded Rory McIlroy on the 18th. McIlroy, who had a rough day with a 74 to fall to two over, didn’t even get to defend his title. But even he had to admit the commotion around Trump’s arrival was “pretty cool” and he’s slated to have dinner with him. McIlroy, a six-time major champ, also acknowledged the huge “buzz around the tournament because Shane’s up there and leading.” It shows you how much this means for the event when the world number two is cheering on his buddy.
What’s at Stake for Sunday?
So, what does this mean for the final round? Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen is sitting in second despite a costly three-putt bogey on the 18th. Chile’s Joaquin Niemann is hanging in third at nine under, with Tom McKibbin and Daniel Rodrigues a couple shots further back. But let’s be real, the experts are saying it’s going to take “a remarkable twist” for anyone outside that final group to snatch the win on Sunday. Trump’s expected to be there for the final round too, maybe even presenting the trophy. Could you imagine? Lowry, playing for his home crowd, trying to close out a four-shot lead with a former president watching his every move. Get ready for some serious golf tomorrow, folks, because it’s going to be absolutely wild.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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