Shane Lowry’s True Character Shows as He Pauses Play for a Special Family Moment
Ireland s Shane Lowry celebrates with the Claret Jug trophy and his family during the award ceremony after the fourth round of the 148th British Open Championship at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on July 21, 2019. EDITORIALxUSExONLY,xNOxTHIRDxPARTYxSALES PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY (108364100)
Ireland s Shane Lowry celebrates with the Claret Jug trophy and his family during the award ceremony after the fourth round of the 148th British Open Championship at the Royal Portrush Golf Club in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on July 21, 2019. EDITORIALxUSExONLY,xNOxTHIRDxPARTYxSALES PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY (108364100)
Shane Lowry paused a TGL round for a moment that had nothing to do with golf. The 2019 Open champion stopped play to surprise his daughter Iris for her ninth birthday, creating a moment for fans that was more memorable than any shot he hit.
Between the holes at the SoFi Center, Lowry came over with a golf-themed birthday cake. It was a miniature green cake complete with a flag and golden "9" candles. Iris stood nearby with family and friends, waiting for him. Lowry smiled and began singing “Happy Birthday,” and soon other kids joined him.
It felt like a family celebration. Lowry’s daughter Iris seemed happy but surprised, then blew out the candle. He has always been perceived as a devoted family man. He frequently talks about how much his wife Wendy and daughters Iris and Ivy mean to him.
Even his biggest career win, The Open in 2019, was also shared with his daughter Iris, who accompanied him on the 18th green during the celebrations.
That was the reason the gesture went viral. Lowry was determined not to miss his daughter's birthday. The party was over in a couple of minutes before he went back to the game.
Sometimes the best moments in sports happen away from the shots and scoreboards.
For Shane Lowry, TGL Often Means Family Time Too
Lowry’s family is often part of his TGL nights, where competition and family time go hand in hand. And living close to the SoFi Center has made it easier for him to share those moments. As Lowry once explained, “It was cool to bring my family. Look, I live 10 minutes away, so this is amazing for me.”
Even his daughter Iris’ growing interest in the game has made those visits even more meaningful. Lowry revealed, “She’s just started to get into golf a little bit. She goes and plays every Tuesday with one of her friends now, and to bring her down here tonight, she loved it here.”
He has also noticed the same excitement in other families. “I was talking to Tommy Fleetwood earlier. His son Frankie was here today, and he loved it as well,” Lowry said, adding, “I think it’s great for kids of that age.”
Moments like these show why family often sits at the heart of Lowry’s golf journey.
Read more at Daily Club Golf!
Written by
Dolly Bhamrick
Edited by
Siddharth Shirwadkar