Shane Lowry addresses unpleasant hot mic incident: "They get in the way a little bit"

Shane Lowry appeared to brush aside the criticism he faced after hot mics caught the European Ryder Cup star saying a group of volunteers "deserved to get hit" during the third round of the Irish Open.

Lowry produced a masterclass at Donald Trump's Doonbeg last week to clinch his home Open 17 years after he won the tournament as an amateur. 

The 2019 Open champion finished 11 strokes clear of his nearest competitor, Patrick Reed, and was visibly emotional as he told of how squandering chances to win in Dubai and Florida had badly affected his season. 

The only negative for Lowry came in the form of a comment he made during the third round after he hit a wayward tee shot towards a group of volunteers on the 18th hole. 

To Lowry's credit, the Offaly man could be heard shouting 'fore' three times before letting out an expletive. 

He then added: "They deserved to get hit."

It sparked a backlash online, with many claiming the 39-year-old's behaviour was unacceptable. 

Remind yourself of the moment here:

Lowry stopped short of an apology when he was asked about the incident by the Irish Examiner. 

He said marshals "obviously have a very tough job", adding: "But they get a little bit in the way at times, I feel like. 

"And 18 was just two guys going across the fairway as I'm trying to hit the shot and it's playing really hard.

"There's another guy walking... but any ways, you have to do a little bit yourself. 

"But it was carnage out there. I did get a little bit [frustrated]. The 18 tee shot for me, I practiced on Monday. 

"I hit a tee shot 50 yards left out-of-bounds and for the rest of the week that's all I could think about on that tee. 

"It was quite an anxious tee box for me.

"And even today [Sunday], I had a 10-shot lead, and I was like, I just can't wait to get this tee shot over and done with."

Lowry entered the final round of the Irish Open four strokes clear of Denmark's Jacob Skov Olesen. 

He rolled in a lengthy birdie putt at the last to sign for a 7-under 63 amid joyous scenes. 

The aforementioned Trump presented Lowry with the trophy. 

It marked his first win since since the 2022 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. 

Lowry had golden opportunities to add to his already impressive CV earlier in the year. 

In March, he squandered a two-shot lead with three holes remaining at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches. 

It followed another dramatic collapse down the stretch at the Dubai Invitational. 

"This year has been quite difficult on the course for me," Lowry later told reporters. 

"I had a few chances to win. To come here this week and do this, I don't know, I just don't do things like half-measures."

He added: "A lot of things have went right for me but this has been the most spectacular week.

"It's just mad. I can't believe it. My mum was just standing there. I have my wife and my kids back in Florida.

"When things are not going well at this level, it's hard at home as well but my wife has been a huge support and my kids, I love them so much. I'm so happy for them.

"I can't wait to bring a trophy home. My daughter is always asking, 'when are you going to bring a trophy home?', so I'm going to bring a trophy home."

Lowry will now turn his attention to the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.