The Emerald Isle is having quite a moment at the Masters this week.
Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland entered the weekend at 12 under — the largest 36-hole lead in tournament history. Meanwhile, his close friend Shane Lowry from Ireland moved to 8 under during Saturday’s third round after delivering something special: a hole-in-one.
Paired with European teammate Tommy Fleetwood on Saturday afternoon, Lowry stepped up to Juniper — the par-3 sixth playing at 190 yards — and struck pure magic. His ball landed on the green and rolled straight into the cup.
Lowry immediately threw his hands in the air and pumped his arms in excitement as the patrons erupted. Fleetwood quickly pulled him in for a celebratory hug.
This marks just the seventh ace ever on No. 6 in Masters history. The last hole-in-one on this tricky par-3 came from Corey Conners in 2021.
Aces at Augusta National are treasures. There’ve been only 35 in the tournament’s 90-year history. The last hole-in-one on any Augusta hole came from Stewart Cink on the par-3 16th in 2022.
What’s even more remarkable is that this is Lowry’s second hole-in-one in just 11 Masters appearances. His first came on No. 16 during the final round in 2016. He’ll receive another large crystal bowl for the accomplishment — a tradition that’s been in place since 1954.
Lowry showed his playful side when retrieving his ball from the cup, pretending he might throw it to the patrons before tucking it safely in his pocket. Can’t blame him for wanting to keep that souvenir.
