DOONBEG, Ireland — Shane Lowry delivered one of the most dominant performances in Irish Open history, crushing the field by a record 11 shots before an emotional home crowd at Doonbeg. But the celebrations took an unexpected turn when U.S. President Donald Trump presented Lowry with the trophy and announced plans to remove tariffs on Irish whiskey.
Lowry finished the 2026 Irish Open at a remarkable 23-under-par 257, closing with a sensational 7-under 63 to secure his second Irish Open title.
The victory was historic on several levels.
According to the Associated Press, Lowry broke the previous 72-hole Irish Open scoring record of 264, set by Jon Rahm at Lahinch in 2019. His 11-shot winning margin also established a new tournament record, surpassing the previous mark set by Bernhard Langer in 1987.
For Lowry, however, the victory was about far more than numbers.
The Irish star became visibly emotional after completing his final round, celebrating with family and soaking in the reaction of thousands of home supporters.
“This is incredible,” Lowry said after his victory. “I’m so happy.”
Lowry Completes a Stunning Homecoming
The triumph marked Lowry’s second Irish Open victory, coming 17 years after his unforgettable first win as an amateur in 2009.
This time, however, there was no dramatic playoff.
Lowry completely overwhelmed the competition.
He entered the final day with a commanding lead and refused to give his challengers any opportunity to fight back. He opened his final round with a series of birdies and continued pulling away from the field.
His spectacular week ended with another memorable moment on the 18th hole, where he rolled in a long birdie putt to cap a record-breaking performance.
Patrick Reed and Joaquin Niemann finished tied for second, but neither came remotely close to threatening Lowry’s lead.
The victory was especially significant after what had been a relatively difficult stretch for the 2019 Open Championship winner.
Lowry had remained competitive at times but entered the Irish Open without the consistent results many expected from one of Europe’s biggest golf stars. His dominant performance at Doonbeg now stands as a powerful reminder that Lowry remains capable of producing world-class golf when everything clicks.
Donald Trump’s Arrival Creates an Extraordinary Irish Open
The tournament had already attracted worldwide attention because it was being held at Trump International Ireland in Doonbeg, a course owned by the Trump family.
Trump arrived in Ireland during the tournament and attended the event as part of his visit to the country.
His presence even caused an unusual interruption on Saturday when his presidential helicopter landed near the course, temporarily pausing play.
Lowry later described the extraordinary day as “an insane day.”
Trump watched as Lowry produced one of the greatest performances in Irish Open history and later presented the Irish golfer with the championship trophy.
The U.S. president praised Lowry’s performance, while the Irish champion thanked Trump and Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin for attending the event.
For Lowry, having a sitting U.S. president present for one of the biggest victories of his career made an already emotional moment even more extraordinary.
Trump Announces Plan to Remove Irish Whiskey Tariff
But Trump’s appearance at the trophy ceremony produced another major headline.
During the celebrations, Trump announced plans to remove the tariff on Irish whiskey, telling the crowd that he had been repeatedly urged to take action.
The announcement was met with cheers from spectators at Doonbeg.
According to the Associated Press, the tariff on Irish whiskey had been reduced from 15% to 10% in July, and industry groups had continued pushing for its complete removal. Trump did not immediately provide a specific timetable for when the proposed change would take effect.
The move could be significant for Ireland’s whiskey industry and American businesses importing and selling Irish spirits.
The Financial Times reported that Irish whiskey exports to the United States were valued at hundreds of millions of euros, making the American market critically important to Irish producers. Industry representatives welcomed Trump’s announcement, although the details and implementation timeline remain unclear.
The surprise declaration meant Lowry’s trophy ceremony became much more than a sporting celebration.
It turned into a moment where golf, politics, trade and Irish national pride unexpectedly collided.
Rory McIlroy Praises Lowry’s Historic Win
Lowry’s fellow Irish golf superstar Rory McIlroy was also in the field but finished well behind the champion, tied for 41st.
Despite his own disappointing result, McIlroy recognized the importance of Lowry’s performance for Irish golf and the home fans who packed Doonbeg.
Lowry’s victory gave Ireland one of its most memorable sporting moments of the year and added another remarkable chapter to his career.
The man who stunned Irish golf by winning the Irish Open as an amateur in 2009 has now returned 17 years later to win the tournament again — this time in even more spectacular fashion.
A Victory Ireland Will Not Soon Forget
Shane Lowry arrived at Doonbeg hoping to give home fans something to celebrate.
Instead, he delivered one of the most dominant victories in the history of the Irish Open.
A tournament record.
An 11-shot demolition of the field.
An emotional celebration with his family.
And a trophy presentation from the President of the United States.
Then came Trump’s unexpected promise involving Irish whiskey.
For one unforgettable Sunday in Doonbeg, Shane Lowry’s golf became the center of a much bigger story.
And after breaking records, thrilling Irish fans and reclaiming one of the most important trophies in his homeland, one question now remains:
Can this historic Irish Open victory become the turning point that launches Shane Lowry into another major chapter of his career?
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