When Shane Lowry Won The Open at Royal Portrush
By: Derek Clements | Edited: Fri 01 Aug 2025
Share this article:
A week that started with Rory McIlroy’s hopes crashing to earth with a quadruple-bogey eight at the opening hole ended with Ireland's Shane Lowry claiming a first major championship win with a dominant six-shot victory on 15 under par amid raucous scenes at The Open at Royal Portrush in 2019.
Lowry started the celebrations early, his arms aloft as he squeezed through the crowds who swarmed the 18th fairway. "This feels like an out-of-body experience," said the then 32-year-old.
Lowry held his nerve in the wind and rain to shoot a one-over 72, with Tommy Fleetwood second on nine under. Fleetwood briefly threatened but a double bogey on the 14th effectively ended his challenge as he finished with a three-over 74.
"I can't wait to wake up on Monday morning and find out what it's going to feel like then. It's just going to be incredible," added Lowry who was mobbed before he reached the green on the last hole.
Thousands of partisan fans lined the 18th to cheer Lowry's victory procession and as he turned to embrace his caddie Brian 'Bo' Martin after hitting his second shot to the green, hundreds flooded the fairway ahead of him. Lowry and Martin were shepherded through the crowds and under a rope by marshals to allow them safe passage.
There was a sense of redemption for Lowry following his final-round capitulation at the US Open in 2016 when he started with a four shot lead but a 76 saw him fall away as Dustin Johnson won.
Elsewhere, American Tony Finau carded a 71 to end third on seven under, his best finish at a major.
An up-and-down round for England's Lee Westwood saw him card a two-over 73 for a share of fourth. He finished six under overall alongside then world number one Brooks Koepka who struggled to a 74.
Nerves appeared to take their hold when Lowry tugged his opening tee shot into the rough before hitting his second into a greenside bunker. He escaped with a bogey as Fleetwood missed a birdie putt that would have cut the lead to two.
Fleetwood, bidding to become the first Englishman to win the Open since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992, then overhit his par putt on the third and the bogey meant Lowry's advantage was four once again. That seemed to give Lowry the confidence boost he needed and he holed two successive birdie putts from the fourth. Heavy rain and wind arrived soon after and Lowry, battling both the elements and nerves, struggled after the turn, bogeying four of the five holes from the ninth.
From then on it was about digging in. Lowry holed a couple of crucial par putts before celebrating a birdie on the 15th with a fist pump. It was a putt that effectively ended Fleetwood’s hopes.
Lowry's name was already being engraved on the Claret Jug as he approached the 18th green and soaked up the adulation from the thousands gathered to witness the biggest win of his career.
Related Content
The Open 2025 Preview, Picks & Analysis
10 Outsiders to Watch at The Open 2025
What Makes The Open Golf's Greatest Major Championship
Where The Open at Royal Portrush Will Be Won And Lost
The oldest & most prestigious major, a trip to The Open is a must for every golf fan. From tickets and transfers to hospitality & golf, Golfbreaks.com can build the perfect package to help you experience The Open in style.
Tags: The Open Championship The Open Royal Portrush
