Golf legend Jack Nicklaus sends special message to major champion

Multiple major champion Jack Nicklaus has sent a special message to Shane Lowry after the former Open champion picked up his first win in more than four years.

Lowry produced a masterclass last week to claim the Irish Open, 17 years after winning the tournament as an amateur.

The 2019 champion golfer of the year finished 11 strokes ahead of his nearest competitor.

"They say home-cooking can heal the soul, solve worries, and cure life's problems," Nicklaus wrote on Instagram.

"It must also do wonders for a slump!

"Shane Lowry, my friend, no one was happier than Barbara and I to see you back in the winner's circle, and to do it on your home soil in the Irish Open and in such dominating fashion, was a fitting exclamation point!

"Course-record 62 Friday, a 63 on Sunday, 23-under total, and a stunning 11-shot victory, well Shane, that is the way to pick up your first win in four years.

"Shane, as you make the quick trip this week across the Irish Sea to Surrey, England and the Wentworth Club, we wish you well in the BMW PGA Championship!”

Whilst Lowry's victory - his first since winning the DP World Tour's flagship event four years ago - was emotional, it was not without controversy.

Lowry was heavily criticised for his actions on the 18th tee box during the third round.

The European Ryder Cup star hit a wayward drive towards a group of marshals and, although he repeatedly shouted 'fore', hot mics also picked up the major champion saying the volunteers “deserve to get hit”.

Lowry addressed what happened in comments to the Irish Examiner, but stopped short of offering an apology.

Five-time European Tour winner David Howell was among those to defend Lowry, though.

Howell told the Sky Sports Golf podcast that it was "completely false" that Lowry is "not quite as nice as everybody thinks he is".

"Shane is top drawer, lovely guy, popular on tour for all the right reasons amongst the caddies and the players," said Howell. 

"He's a lovely chap with his feet firmly on the ground."

"It was a moment that we'll move on from. He won't say it again, but what can you say?

"The wrong words came out because he just hit another terrible drive. He's worried about hitting it out of bounds."

Lowry opened the 2026 BMW PGA Championship with a 1-under 71. Rory McIlroy made a fast start but faltered down the stretch.

Before the tournament began, Lowry opened up on the highs and lows of his career.

"It's something we talked Sunday evening with my team, into Monday," said Lowry.

"We talked about you have to go through the tough times to experience the good times, and it's very, very hard at times to go through those tough times.

"But I'd go through them a million times over to experience what I did on Sunday.

"Very fortunate to do that, but when you're going through them, it's tough.

"Look, we live a very good life out here and I live a very privileged life because of golf, but that doesn't mean the tough days aren't tough.

"The tough days are quite tough and it takes a while to get over them. But experiences like Sunday, it's worth every minute."