Shane Lowry Storms to Record Irish Open Win Ahead of BMW PGA Championship

Shane Lowry produced a remarkable display on home soil to win the 2026 Amgen Irish Open by a record 11 shots at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg.

The Irishman finished the week on 23-under-par after closing with a superb seven-under 63 on Sunday, leaving Patrick Reed and Joaquin Niemann tied for second on 12-under. The victory was Lowry’s second Irish Open title, 17 years after he famously won the tournament as an amateur in 2009.

Attention now turns quickly to the BMW PGA Championship at the Wentworth Club, where Lowry will be among another outstanding field from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th September. Eventmasters offers official BMW PGA Championship hospitality, including the Ballroom, 72 Lounge, new 72 Signature Lounge and Green on 18, giving guests the opportunity to experience one of the biggest weeks on the DP World Tour calendar in premium surroundings. Find all of our packages and book HERE.

Lowry Dominates at Doonbeg

Lowry had already placed himself in control of the tournament before the final round, with a course-record 62 on Friday followed by a 65 on Saturday giving him a four-shot advantage heading into Sunday.

Rather than protecting that lead, the 39-year-old continued to pull clear of the field. Eight birdies during his closing round helped him reach 23-under, with another long birdie putt at the 18th providing a fitting end to a commanding performance.

His winning total of 257 also bettered the previous Irish Open tournament scoring record of 264, set by Jon Rahm in 2019. More significantly, the 11-shot victory surpassed the previous record winning margin of ten shots set by Bernhard Langer in 1987.

Reed and Niemann were Lowry’s nearest challengers at 12-under, but neither could get close to the runaway leader during the closing stages.

A Second Irish Open Title 17 Years Later

Lowry’s relationship with the Irish Open stretches back to one of the most memorable moments of his career.

He first lifted the trophy at County Louth Golf Club in 2009 while still an amateur, announcing himself on the European stage before later going on to become a Major Champion and Ryder Cup winner.

Seventeen years later, he has now added a second Irish Open title in emphatic fashion and secured his seventh DP World Tour victory.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy was unable to mount another challenge for the title this time around. The Northern Irishman finished tied for 41st, but he will have an immediate opportunity to respond when he joins Lowry at the Wentworth Club this week.

Lowry Heads Straight to the BMW PGA Championship

There could hardly be a more appropriate next stop for Lowry.

Before his victory in Ireland, his previous individual title had come at the 2022 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Four years later, he returns to the West Course with another trophy already secured and momentum behind him.

The BMW PGA Championship gets underway on Thursday 17th September, with Lowry part of a field containing some of the biggest names in world golf.

Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Brooks Koepka are amongst those scheduled to compete, while defending champion Alex Noren returns after defeating Adrien Saddier in a play-off to claim the 2025 title.

McIlroy is also a former champion at Wentworth, having lifted the trophy in 2014, while Lowry’s 2022 success means two of Ireland’s leading golfers arrive this week knowing exactly what it takes to win around the West Course.

There could hardly be a more appropriate next stop for Lowry.

Before his victory in Ireland, his previous individual title had come ar

Experience the BMW PGA Championship with Eventmasters

With tournament week now here, there is still an opportunity to experience the action at the Wentworth Club with official BMW PGA Championship hospitality.

The 72 Lounge provides a relaxed base within the Championship Village, with breakfast, contemporary dining and complimentary drinks included throughout the day. The new 72 Signature Lounge takes the experience further with reserved table seating and access to reserved seating in the 18th Green Grandstand until 4pm.

Green on 18 places guests alongside the closing hole, with a covered greenside terrace overlooking the 18th green and fairway alongside premium dining, a complimentary bar and access to Treetops at the 14th hole.

After Lowry’s record-breaking performance in Ireland, the focus now switches to Surrey and another of the biggest tournaments on the European golfing calendar.

With Lowry, McIlroy and a host of Major Champions and Ryder Cup stars heading to Wentworth, the 2026 BMW PGA Championship is set to provide another huge week of golf.

BMW PGA Championship FAQs

When is the 2026 BMW PGA Championship?

The tournament takes place from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th September 2026 at the Wentworth Club in Surrey. The competition is played over 72 holes, with the leading 65 players and ties progressing to the weekend following Friday’s second round.

Is Shane Lowry playing at the BMW PGA Championship?

Yes. The newly crowned 2026 Irish Open champion is part of the field at Wentworth and is also a former BMW PGA Championship winner, having lifted the trophy in 2022.

Which other players are competing at Wentworth?

The field includes Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Brooks Koepka and defending champion Alex Noren alongside a host of other leading international players.

Can I book BMW PGA Championship hospitality with Eventmasters?

Yes. Eventmasters offers official hospitality packages for the BMW PGA Championship, including the Ballroom, 72 Lounge, 72 Signature Lounge and Green on 18. Packages provide a range of premium dining, drinks and hospitality facilities throughout the tournament.