Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy went in opposite directions during the third round of the Masters on Saturday, and Lowry was in no mood to discuss his close friend’s big day afterward.
Lowry shot 5-under through the first two rounds of the Masters and was just three shots off of the lead heading into Saturday. He gained ground with four birdies and two bogeys through 16 holes in the third round, but the Irishman blew up on the final two holes with a bogey-bogey finish.
With an even-par 72 on Saturday, Lowry found himself seven shots behind leader McIlroy, who caught fire with a 66 in the third round. After he walked off the green on 18, Lowry was asked a question about McIlroy’s big day. He did not respond favorably.
“No, I’m not gonna stand here and talk about Rory for 10 minutes. I’m trying to win the tournament as well,” Lowry said. “I know that’s what you all want me to talk about, but I’ve just had a s– finish. I’ve got a chance to win the Masters tomorrow. I’m going to hit some balls.”
Lowry then vented about how golfers have to speak with the media immediately after they finish playing. He wants that to change so players have time to decompress first.
“I think we need time. I think I need a half an hour now to sit there and gather my thoughts,” Lowry said. “I can’t be coming to talk to you guys straight away. 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 an hour before they have to do it. I feel like we should have the same thing. I’m probably gonna say something stupid. I probably already have said something stupid because I’m pi–ed off right now, so I’m just gonna leave, okay?”
"I'm not going to stand here and talk about Rory for 10 minutes. I'm trying to win the tournament, as well."
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 13, 2025
Shane Lowry knows he has work to do after a disappointing bogey-bogey finish to his third round. pic.twitter.com/83UmIJfXDU
Lowry and McIlroy are close friends. Lowry was quick to defend McIlroy following his countryman’s collapse at the US Open last year. The two are also competitors, and Lowry is trying to win his first green jacket just like McIlroy.
Given the way Lowry finished on Saturday, you can understand why he was testy with the media.
