Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have been close friends for years—two Irishmen who’ve shared Ryder Cups, shared laughs, and plenty of pints. But when it comes to Augusta National and the Masters, things turn serious. This year, McIlroy finally broke through and claimed the 2025 Masters title. He defeated Justin Rose in a dramatic playoff, achieving the career Grand Slam that had eluded him for so long. Meanwhile, Lowry had a rough Sunday, carding an 81—one of the worst rounds of the day. Despite the disappointment, he stayed to celebrate his friend’s career-defining win.
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Still, Lowry isn’t planning to be a spectator next April. Speaking on the SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio podcast with Michael Breed, he made it clear he’s already aiming for redemption. He explained that his main goal was to be in contention late into the tournament, and he felt like he achieved that—until the final round got away from him. He especially struggled with the greens, which he described as extremely firm and fast—more so than he’d ever experienced before at Augusta.
That Sunday humbled him but also motivated him. He admitted he wasn’t fully prepared for how tough the course would play and emphasized how much he learned from the experience. He plans to use those lessons to come back stronger next year.
Lowry also couldn’t resist a friendly jab at his longtime friend. He joked that he had always wanted to be the first Irishman to win the Masters, but with McIlroy’s win, that dream is no longer possible. Now, his new goal is to have McIlroy help him into the green jacket next April.
As for whether Lowry can actually achieve that goal, fans are debating the possibilities. Some believe his determination will carry him through, while others think McIlroy will continue his dominance—or that neither of them will come out on top next year.
After the Masters, McIlroy shifted focus to his personal life, drawing admiration from many for prioritizing family and relationships amid his triumph. While some think he should keep the focus on his game, others see his approach as a way to better connect with fans and maintain balance.
Currently, McIlroy and Lowry are teaming up once again at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, a unique team event on the PGA Tour. They’re not only close friends but also last year’s champions at the event. This week, they’re trying to defend their title and become the first team to win back-to-back since the event adopted its team format.
However, this year’s Zurich Classic is already stirring debate. The PGA Tour has decided to implement “preferred lies” in Round 1, a rule that typically helps players deal with wet conditions by allowing them to lift, clean, and place their balls. But the twist is, the conditions at TPC Louisiana are dry, sunny, and firm—far from the usual muddy or soaked course. The decision has left some players and fans questioning whether the rule diminishes the challenge or makes scoring too easy.
Regardless, McIlroy and Lowry remain focused. With their natural chemistry and shared experience, they’re not just aiming to win again—they’re looking to make history together.