Shane Lowry has come under fire after being caught on a hot microphone saying a group of spectators "deserve to get hit" after sending an errant tee shot in their direction during the third round of the Irish Open.
The 39-year-old Irishman, who leads his home tournament heading into Sunday's final round, pulled his tee shot well left on the 18th hole on Saturday, sending the ball toward spectators standing behind the ropes in a viewing area.
Lowry could be heard urgently shouting "fore, fore" to warn the spectators that the ball was heading their way. Footage showed the group, who were standing near a number of marshals, remaining stationary despite his warning.
Lowry was then picked up by microphones saying: "They deserve to get hit."
Fan reaction
Several fans criticised Lowry for the remark on social media, with some calling for him to apologise. "He would never have said that when he was starting his career off? Paying punters cheering him on. How dare he. The fans deserve an apology. Who does he think he is?" one fan wrote.
"He should apologise or be fined. Horrible comment to make," another said. A third called it "an absolute disgrace, some role model," while another wrote: "Your man wishing spectators and or volunteers deserved to be hit by a snap hook with a driver! Can do some serious damage."
Other fans were more sympathetic, suggesting Lowry's outburst came from frustration after spectators failed to move despite his warning.
Lowry's lead intact
Despite the errant tee shot, Lowry saved par on the 18th to take a four-shot lead into the final round, as he looks to secure his first victory since 2022. His closest challenger is Jacob Skov Olesen.
Lowry, a two-time major champion who won the Open Championship in 2019, set a course-record 62 on Friday at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg. He thanked the crowd for their support after his third round.
"I feel like I did a great job today of staying in the moment and playing my own game," Lowry said. "I had so much fun out there on the back nine, the crowds were incredible and cheered me on the whole way home. Hopefully they do the same tomorrow."
Trump visit halts play
Lowry kept his focus on a day when US President Donald Trump's arrival briefly halted play at the course. Trump's visit formed part of a two-day trip to Ireland.
The Irish Open has been played in Ireland since 1927 and is one of the longest-running events on the DP World Tour. Lowry will be hoping to win the tournament for the first time since 2009, when it was last won by an Irish player.
