Shane Lowry leads Irish Open after course-record 62

Shane Lowry took control of the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links Doonbeg, carding a course-record 62. After an opening 67 in difficult conditions, Lowry utilized nine birdies to reach eleven-under-par, placing him three shots ahead of Haotong Li and Jacob Skov Olesen.

Lowry described the round as one of his most enjoyable, noting the importance of being aggressive yet patient. His performance included three consecutive birdies starting from the 3rd hole and another sequence from the 7th, including a 24-foot putt on the par-3 7th.

Padraig Harrington, a three-time Major champion, commented on the intense pressure of the Irish Open, noting that he often felt more pressure at this national tournament than during Major championships. Harrington highlighted his own 2007 victory as a foundational moment for his career and praised Lowry’s current form, stating, “He’s the best version of himself I’ve seen... he is really very, very secure with what he does.”