Shane Lowry’s Golf Masterclass: Perfect Back Nine Puts Him Four Shots Clear At Irish Open

Shane Lowry produced a remarkable display of golf and putting in front of his home crowd on Saturday, one-putting every green on the back nine to card a five-under 65 and build a four-shot lead going into the final round of the Irish Open.

Lowry began the day with a three-shot advantage but briefly saw it disappear when Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen surged into contention with an eagle and a birdie on the opening nine, reaching the turn in 31.

The Irishman then found another gear.

Lowry opened his back nine with a 5-foot birdie on the 10th and followed it by sinking a 10-foot putt to save par on the 11th. He went on to make three birdies and six pars without needing more than one putt on any green.

His final hole provided another highlight. After his approach left him off the 18th green, Lowry produced an excellent pitch to four feet and calmly converted the par putt.

“I’m normally the one watching other people do it, so why not me sometimes?” Lowry said. “I’m seeing my lines well and starting the ball where I want and they’re going in.”

Lowry reached 16-under 194 at Trump International Ireland, the Doonbeg course owned by US President Donald Trump, who visited the event after meeting Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin.

Skov Olesen could not maintain his early momentum and finished with a 66 after a bogey on the 18th. Joaquin Niemann was seven shots behind after also shooting 66.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy had a difficult day, carding 74 after two tee shots went out of play and an early double bogey. He was 18 shots behind Lowry.

Lowry, who won the Irish Open as an amateur in 2009, will now look to complete a memorable home triumph.