Shane Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship winner, had a rough start to the 2025 U.S. Open, shooting a disappointing 9-over par to finish the first round in a tie for 137th place on the leaderboard. His frustrations appeared to reach a boiling point at the par-4 17th hole, where he knocked over a microphone in one of his moments of anger.
Lowry, 38, had a promising start at the third hole, but his performance deteriorated with a string of bogeys, adding to the difficulties of the day. Some players, including former Masters champion Rory McIlroy, have commented on the demanding nature of the Oakmont course, with McIlroy describing it as ‘impossible’ to navigate.
Lowry’s performance at the U.S. Open is an indicator of the challenges posed by the tournament’s layout, with previous concerns raised about the course’s difficulty. Despite his best efforts, Lowry’s first round was a significant setback, with his high expectations for the tournament not matching the reality of the competition. His reaction, while shocking, also highlights the intense pressure experienced by top-tier golfers at such a major event.
With the 2025 U.S. Open underway at Oakmont, the tournament has continued to be a focal point for discussions about course difficulty, with players such as Bryson DeChambeau, who won last year’s U.S. Open, also having faced challenges in the first round. As the competition progresses, Lowry’s experience serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in one of golf’s most prestigious events.