Shane Lowry Takes Four-Shot Lead at Irish Open
Ireland’s Shane Lowry carded a 5-under 65 on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, to seize sole possession of the lead after the third round of the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland in Doonbeg, Ireland. Lowry is 16 under par at 194 and will take a four-shot lead into the final round.
According to The Associated Press, Lowry one-putted every green on the back nine to build decisive momentum. Backed by the home crowd, he will now pursue a second Irish Open title at the tournament he won as an amateur in 2009.
Putting Surge on the Back Nine
Lowry faced an early challenge from his closest rivals in the third round. Denmark’s Jacob Skov Olesen climbed into a share of the lead after making an eagle and a birdie on the front nine, but Lowry regained control with steady putting over the closing nine holes.
A birdie at the 10th changed the momentum. Lowry then holed a roughly 10-foot par putt at the 11th before adding birdies at the 12th and 15th. His unflappable work on the greens over the back nine, which produced a 65, proved to be the pivotal stretch of the round.
Lowry Holds Off Jacob Skov Olesen to Lead by Four
Olesen carded a 4-under 66 to move into second at 12 under for the tournament. He briefly shared the lead with Lowry but could not stop Lowry’s birdie run over the final nine holes.
Joaquin Niemann is third at 9 under. Although Lowry leads Olesen by four shots, the leaderboard could still shift in the final round if the strong winds and unpredictable weather typical of a links course persist.
One Final Hurdle to a Home Victory
Lowry is seeking a second Irish Open title after winning the event as an amateur in 2009. The international competitor, who has also performed on stages such as the Presidents Cup: Team Golf Showdown Between the U.S. and International Teams, is also chasing a record that would make him the first player from the Republic of Ireland to win the Irish Open twice, according to the DP World Tour.
In the final round, the key will be limiting mistakes and making the most of his four-shot advantage rather than chasing birdie opportunities aggressively from the outset. If the wind strengthens, accuracy off the tee and the ability to save par from long range are expected to be decisive factors in the title race.
Irish Fans Fire Up Doonbeg
Huge cheers erupted from the gallery in Doonbeg each time Lowry holed a birdie putt. Local media reported that chants for Lowry continued around the course on Saturday evening, saying the support from the home fans helped lift his performance.
The Amgen Irish Open, one of the events attracting attention alongside the 2026 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship: Expert Picks and Tournament Outlook, is being played from Sept. 10-13 over 72 holes of stroke play. Lowry will play in the final pairing on Sunday, with a chance to complete a second Irish Open victory in front of his home fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What did Shane Lowry shoot in the third round of the Irish Open?
Lowry shot a 5-under 65 in the third round on Sept. 12, 2026.
How large is Shane Lowry’s lead entering the final round of the Irish Open?
Lowry is 16 under par and leads second-place Jacob Skov Olesen by four shots.
What putting feat did Lowry achieve on the back nine?
He one-putted every green over the final nine holes, showcasing an outstanding putting performance.
Where is the 2026 Irish Open being held?
It is being held at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland in Doonbeg, County Clare, Ireland. International tour events such as the 2026 Bank of Utah Championship: Expert Picks and Fantasy Golf Tips are also being staged.
Has Shane Lowry ever won the Irish Open?
Lowry won the Irish Open as an amateur in 2009. He is seeking his second title at this year’s tournament.
