“He can retire now” – Shane Lowry reacts to Rory McIlroy’s Masters win

He was one of the first of his competitors to congratulate him on his Masters triumph. Now, Shane Lowry has had his say on Rory McIlroy’s historic Augusta National victory.

Rory McIlroy became just the sixth golfer ever to win the career grand slam after years of hurt at Augusta National. It was far from easy, either, with a round that started with a double bogey six and never really became any more routine after that.

However, after a playoff birdie that was in stark contrast to the rest of the day’s topsy turvy events, McIlroy walked off the 18th green at Augusta National as Masters champion.

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After greeting family and Augusta National members, McIlroy was embraced by Ryder Cup teammate and childhood friend, Shane Lowry.

Afterwards, Lowry gave his take on the final day, as well as what lay ahead for the now five time major champion.

“This means everything to him. It’s all he thinks about,” Lowry told the Golf Channel.

“It’s all he talks about, all he thinks about.

“He always said to me he would retire a happy man if he won the green jacket. So, I told Erica, ‘He can retire now.’”

"It's all he thinks about."

Shane Lowry on what it means to see good friend Rory McIlroy complete the career Grand Slam. #theMasters pic.twitter.com/ErPMv9D6N6

— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) April 14, 2025

“He’s had a long ten years, 11 years. He’s had a lot of hurdles, he’s had a lot of moments to get back up from. It’s kind of a credit to him.

“It’s a sign or something for the rest of us to cling onto that no matter what happens, no matter how bad you feel, you just need to keep going, keep working hard and your day will come.”

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For Lowry, there wasn’t much to shout about on what was a difficult day for the Irishman.

The 38-year-old was on five-under-par heading into Sunday’s dramatic final round, but things unravelled for the 2019 Open Champion on a day where he carded a costly 81, dropping him into a tie for 42nd place.

Lewis Fraser As bunkered’s Performance Editor, Lewis oversees the content that’s designed to make you a better player. From the latest gear to tuition, nutrition, strategy and more, he’s the man. A graduate of the University of Stirling, Lewis joined bunkered in 2021. Formerly a caddie at Castle Stuart Golf Links, he is a member of Bathgate Golf Club where he plays off four.

Performance Editor