Livid Lowry in No Mood to Talk About McIlroy After Augusta Bogey-Bogey Finish

Augusta, Georgia – Shane Lowry endured a bitterly frustrating end to his third round at the Masters, finishing with a costly pair of bogeys that significantly impacted his chances of contending for the Green Jacket. The 37-year-old Irishman, who had played a near-flawless opening two rounds, displayed palpable frustration following the final holes, offering only brief, terse answers to reporters’ questions about his playing partner, Rory McIlroy.

A Promising Start, a Disastrous Finish

Lowry began the Masters with a stunning 67, showcasing the form that had propelled him to victory at the Dubai Desert Classic. He continued his impressive run on Saturday, posting a 69, putting him firmly within striking distance of the leaders. However, a tough stretch of holes on the back nine, including a missed fairway bunker shot at the 13th, proved to be his undoing. A subsequent three-putt for bogey at the 14th compounded the issues, and a drive into the right rough at the 16th resulted in another bogey.

“Just Not There Today,” Lowry States

Speaking after his round, Lowry was understandably tight-lipped about the events unfolding on the course. “Just not there today, to be honest,” he stated, his voice noticeably strained. “I felt like I was playing some really good golf, but then those two holes really killed any momentum I had. It’s frustrating.” When pressed about his interactions with McIlroy, who had himself struggled with a 73, Lowry simply said, “I’m focused on my game.”

McIlroy’s Struggles Mirror Lowry’s

McIlroy’s own performance was equally disappointing, as he battled with a putter that wasn’t cooperating. A string of missed putts, including a six-footer at the 12th, severely hampered his progress. Like Lowry, McIlroy offered a subdued assessment of his round, acknowledging the difficulty of the course and the frustration of playing poorly.

Looking Ahead: A Critical Sunday

With the Masters cut looming, Lowry faces a crucial final round. He needs to quickly shake off the disappointment of today and rediscover the form that carried him to such impressive starts. The challenge will be to play the back nine with the same composure he displayed earlier in the tournament. A strong closing stretch is absolutely critical if he hopes to move into the top ten and secure a place in the final group.

FAQ

How did Shane Lowry’s round finish?

Lowry finished his third round with a 73, including a bogey-bogey finish.

What is Shane Lowry’s current position in the Masters?

As of Sunday morning, Lowry sits T18 on the leaderboard.

Who was playing with Shane Lowry today?

Shane Lowry was partnered with Rory McIlroy during the third round.

Pro Tip: Dealing with Pressure

Golf’s greatest players understand the importance of managing pressure. Focus on the process—sticking to your game plan—rather than dwelling on the outcome. Deep breaths and positive self-talk can be powerful tools to combat frustration and regain composure.

Did You Know?

Augusta National’s greens are notoriously difficult to read, and putting precision is paramount to success. It is a tough course to play and many high-profile players can struggle.

Shane Lowry’s disappointing finish underscores the high stakes and intense pressure associated with the Masters Tournament. Despite a strong start, the Irishman will need a remarkable performance on Sunday to salvage his chances of contending for the coveted Green Jacket.

By Liam O’Brien, 247Sports.