Lowry’s Quiet Ascent at Augusta: Controversy Over Broadcast Coverage
A Solid Start for Lowry, and a Disconnect for Viewers
Shane Lowry is steadily building momentum at the Masters Tournament, currently sitting five-under par through two rounds as he pursues his elusive green jacket. The Irish golfer has enjoyed success at Augusta in the past, finishing in the top 25 across the last four seasons, including a third-place finish in 2021. Looking ahead to 2025, Lowry is targeting an even stronger performance.
As of Saturday morning, Lowry sits just three strokes behind clubhouse leader Justin Rose (-8), contending alongside Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, Corey Conners, and Tyrrell Hatton – a formidable group of rivals.
Broadcast Controversy: A Lack of Focus on Key Group
However, Lowry’s strong performance hasn’t been reflected in television coverage. Viewers expressed significant frustration over the weekend as broadcast teams prioritized showing other groups, notably featuring Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, and Hideki Matsuyama, leaving the trio of major winners – Lowry, Matsuyama, and DeChambeau – noticeably underrepresented on screen.
Lowry, dechambeau & Matsuyama group needs its own feed too. This is criminal. @TheMasters @SkySportsGolf
Adam James Sinclair (@adamsinclair1)
“The Lowry, Hideki, group needs its own feed too. This is criminal,” one frustrated fan tweeted on X (formerly Twitter). Similar sentiments echoed across social media, with viewers lamenting the imbalance in coverage.
Rose is all class and he played some great shots but to not have Hideki former champ, Lowry and DeChambeau on great form who combined for -12 in a featured group…you guys must be proud of your decision… @TheMasters
Michael (@22michael3)
Speculation quickly arose regarding the rationale for the uneven coverage, with some suggesting a political motive linked to Bryson DeChambeau’s known alignment with former President Donald Trump. However, this remains purely speculation.
I am hearing a lot of speculation about why Bryson DeChambeau was not included in a featured group on ESPN’s Masters coverage today. ESPN is owned by the far left ABC and DeChambeau is known to be a very strong pro-Trump athlete. Need I say more? @NickAdamsinUSA
Nick Adams (@NickAdamsinUSA)
Looking Ahead: Weekend Focus on Lowry’s Performance
Despite the broadcasting issues, Lowry and McIlroy are determined to contend for the Masters title this weekend. Saturday’s coverage should provide significantly more screen time for the Irish duo, offering fans a chance to witness their progress as they battle for a place among the final contenders.