Shane Lowry’s protective friendship with Rory McIlroy takes centre stage in the latest season of Netflix’s ‘Full Swing’, released yesterday.
Episode two of the golf documentary showcases the pair’s unique bond during their triumph at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Their relationship proved particularly valuable for McIlroy during a turbulent 2024, which saw him navigate personal challenges whilst competing at the highest level.
The Irish golfers first met in the 2000s as juniors representing their homeland.
Their friendship has deepened since both relocated to the same neighbourhood in Florida.
Despite competing against each other for individual titles – Lowry with one major championship to McIlroy’s four – they have become inseparable off the course.
“We live very close to each other and I’d say the weeks that we’re home we probably see each other five times a week,” McIlroy revealed.
Lowry’s protective instinct towards McIlroy was thrust into the spotlight during the 2023 Ryder Cup, when he confronted American caddie Joe LaCava after a heated altercation.
When asked in ‘Full Swing’ if he feels protective of McIlroy, Lowry paused before admitting: “Nobody’s ever asked me that. But now that you say it, I probably would do, yeah.”
He explained: “He gets a lot of unnecessary criticism from the general public, the golf media, the other players.”
Shane Lowry has admitted he is protective of Rory McIlroy
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Lowry and McIlroy’s partnership at the Zurich Classic proved triumphant, with their victory showcasing their chemistry both on and off the course.
The win came at a crucial time for McIlroy, who admitted he had been struggling with his form since the 2023 Ryder Cup.
“I was becoming quite frustrated with the game and a week like that, it can turn everything around,” McIlroy said.
He added: “I definitely feel like I can use this win to sort of springboard myself into the next part of the season.”
‘Full Swing’ documents a challenging year for McIlroy, during which his personal life became public fodder.
The world number three filed for divorce, before later announcing he and wife Erica Stoll had reconciled.
This period of personal turmoil gave McIlroy a new appreciation for his friendship with Lowry.
“The Tour can feel like a lonely place at times,” McIlroy admitted. “This year more than any other year, it’s really shown its importance to me.”
Lowry believes his authentic approach to their friendship provides McIlroy with valuable respite from the pressures of fame.
Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy are best friends on and off the golf course
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“When you’re Rory McIlroy and you’re the greatest player of our generation, people are not themselves around you,” Lowry explained.
“But when I hang out with him, I’m just myself. I think I’m probably a breath of fresh air to his life at times where he can just get away, be himself and be normal.”
“It’s nice to have someone like that, who you can pick the phone up to about anything,” McIlroy added.
McIlroy revealed that balancing his professional and personal life can sometimes overwhelm him.
“Sometimes I’ve struggled with the balance of being the best golfer, the best husband, the best dad,” he said.
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Rory McIlroy has admitted that Shane Lowry is a good role model for him
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He admires how Lowry manages these competing demands with apparent ease.
“I see how Shane does it with a lot of ease. Sometimes you have to focus on one or the other.”
“He’s really good at that and I see him as a good role model for me.”