Shane Lowry stormed off to the practice range after a frustrating finish to his third round at the Masters, refusing to discuss Rory McIlroy’s tournament lead.
The world No 13 was on track to finish at least two under par as he approached the 17th hole, which would have left him five shots off the lead.
However, Lowry’s round unravelled with consecutive bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes.
As is standard procedure at Augusta, Lowry was required to conduct an interview immediately after completing his round.
Shane Lowry stormed off to the practice range after a frustrating finish to his third round at the Masters, refusing to discuss Rory McIlroy’s tournament lead
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The Irishman’s frustration boiled over when asked about McIlroy, who holds a two-shot advantage heading into Sunday’s final round.
‘No,’ Lowry snapped. ‘I’m not going to stand here and talk about Rory for 10 minutes. I’m trying to win the tournament, as well.’
‘I know that’s what y’all want me to talk about, but I’ve just had a s**t finish, I’ve got a chance to win the Masters tomorrow, and I’m going to go hit some balls.’
Despite trailing McIlroy, Lowry clearly viewed himself as still in contention for the green jacket.
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“I’m trying to win the tournament as well”
Shane Lowry wasn’t impressed when asked to access Rory McIlroy’s chances at The Masters. pic.twitter.com/V4zNhoVOvB
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 13, 2025
The frustration of his late bogeys appeared to fuel his reluctance to discuss his rival’s performance.
Instead, Lowry remained focused on his own chances heading into Sunday’s final round.
His determination was evident as he immediately headed to work on his game after the interview.
Lowry then turned his criticism to the post-round interview process itself.
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‘We talk about Collin Morikawa a few weeks ago. I think we need time. I think I need a half an hour now to sit there and gather my thoughts,’ he said.
‘I can’t be coming to talk to you guys straightaway. It shouldn’t be happening. I don’t agree with it.
‘Tennis players have to talk to the media, but they have a half an hour or hour before they have to do it. I feel like we should have the same thing.’
Lowry acknowledged his emotional state might lead to regrettable comments.
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‘I’m probably going to say something stupid. I probably already have said something stupid because I’m pissed off right now. I’m just going to leave, OK?’
With that, he abruptly ended the interview and headed to the practice range.
In contrast to Lowry’s frustration, Jason Day offered glowing praise for tournament leader McIlroy.
Golf star Rory McIlroy is closing in on Masters glory after a sublime performance on Saturday
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“He’s the best player of our generation for sure,” Day said. “He just makes things look so easy.”
“He’s making a boat load of birdies. He’s coming off a lot of confidence winning the Players.
“He seems like he’s very focused and level headed right now and he’s going to be a very difficult person to beat tomorrow, just the way that he’s looking off the golf course before the round. Very confident, very balanced in himself.”
