One of the most iconic moments in the history of the Irish Open came back in 2009 when Shane Lowry managed to win a dramatic playoff to send the crowds at County Louth into a frenzy.
Shane Lowry was a name few outside of Ireland would have known a great deal about before the Irish Open 16 years ago. But he was ranked 16th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings and set to feature at that year’s Walker Cup.
However, the events that week in Baltray would end up changing the course of his career.
The story of Shane Lowry’s victory at the 2009 Irish Open
Lowry was making his debut in a professional event at the 2009 Irish Open. But he showed few signs of nerves as he posted a 67 in his opening round. He made seven birdies on Thursday, including three in a row on the back nine.
Friday would prove to be the day for the real fireworks.
Lowry shot 62 in the second round to take control of the tournament. He was six under par for the front nine after making four birdies and an eagle. It was the joint lowest round by an amateur in the history of the European Tour.
Two rounds of 71 over the weekend ensured that the 22-year-old broke par every single day. However, he missed a four foot putt on the final hole to win the event.
That meant a playoff with Robert Rock. The Englishman was also in the hunt for his first victory on the European Tour.
Ultimately, Lowry was able to get the job done on the third extra hole after they had both made a par and a birdie. It was an incredible moment in the driving rain on the Emerald Isle.
Lowry had made history as he became the first amateur to win on the European Tour in their debut event.
How Rory McIlroy reacted to Shane Lowry’s victory
The big question off the back of the victory was whether Lowry would decide to remain an amateur or turn professional.
One of those who felt that it was time for the youngster to take that next step was Rory McIlroy, who – in comments reported by ESPN – was full of praise for Lowry.
“This was awesome,” he said. “Shane’s a great guy and thoroughly deserved this. To have to survive a three-hole playoff was incredible.
“He has nothing left to do as an amateur.”
That would indeed prove to be his final appearance as an amateur.
Initially, life as a professional proved to be difficult for Lowry. He missed his first three cuts, and his next top 10 on the European Tour would not come until early 2010.
But of course, Lowry is now one of the best players in the world with three PGA Tour victories under his belt – one of which came alongside McIlroy in New Orleans in 2024. He will make his third Ryder Cup appearance at Bethpage in September 2025 after being given a captain’s pick from Luke Donald.
Meanwhile, he became a major winner at the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush – little more than a decade after his stunning win at County Louth.