Shane Lowry has addressed his remark after saying a group of volunteers “deserved to get hit” at the Irish Open, reports BritPanorama.
The comment followed a stray tee shot, prompting shouts of “fore” from the tee box. Lowry faced significant backlash online, with critics describing his response as a “disgusting reaction.”
Despite the criticism, the Irish golfer stood by his comments, asserting that marshals sometimes “get a little bit in the way” during play. “It was carnage out there,” he noted, highlighting the challenges of the course.
Reflecting on his performance, Lowry mentioned the intense pressure of the 18th tee shot, stating, “I had a 10-shot lead, and I was like, I just can’t wait to get this tee shot over and done with.” Ultimately, he secured the victory with a record 11-shot win at 23-under par, following a course-record 62 on Friday.
After his win, which marked his second Irish Open title, Lowry expressed gratitude for the support from his family, saying, “I’m so happy for them. I can’t wait to bring a trophy home.” US President Donald Trump presented him with the trophy during a two-day visit to Ireland.
In essence, Lowry’s comments underscore the often precarious balance players must navigate as they compete, a reminder of the constant interplay between the pressures of the sport and the realities faced by those who facilitate it.