Golfer Shane Lowry Scores Stunning Hole-in-One At Masters 2026
Golfer Shane Lowry Scores Stunning Hole-in-One At Masters 2026...
Irish golfer Shane Lowry electrified the 2026 Masters Tournament on Saturday with a jaw-dropping hole-in-one on Augusta National’s iconic 16th hole. The 2019 Open Championship winner aced the 170-yard par-3 with a perfect 8-iron shot, sending the crowd into a frenzy and instantly becoming the tournament’s viral moment.
The shot, captured live during CBS’s third-round coverage, marked Lowry’s first career hole-in-one at a major championship. It propelled him into contention at 5-under par, reigniting his chances after a rocky front nine. Social media erupted with replays, with ESPN’s tweet of the shot gaining over 100K likes in under an hour.
Lowry’s feat is trending in the U.S. as golf fans celebrate the rarity—just 34 holes-in-one have been recorded at the Masters since 1934. The 16th hole, nicknamed “Redbud,” is a frequent ace location due to its sloping green, but Lowry’s shot stood out for its precision. His ball landed softly before rolling 15 feet straight into the cup.
The 36-year-old acknowledged the roar of the patrons with a signature grin and tipped cap. “That’s one I’ll never forget,” Lowry told reporters after the round. “The atmosphere here—it’s why we play the game.” Fellow competitors, including Rory McIlroy, praised the shot during post-round interviews.
Augusta National confirmed the ace with a ceremonial crystal vase awarded to Lowry. The moment also sparked betting chatter, with DraftKings reporting a handful of fans winning long-shot wagers (some as high as +20000) on Lowry to ace the hole. Tournament organizers noted it was the first hole-in-one at the 2026 Masters.
Lowry’s heroics came amid a dramatic moving day at Augusta, where Scottie Scheffler maintained a narrow lead. Golf analysts highlighted the ace as a potential turning point for Lowry, who entered the week ranked 22nd worldwide. CBS’s Jim Nantz called it “a shot that defines careers” during the broadcast.
The Masters continues Sunday with final-round coverage airing at 2 PM ET. Lowry, now just four strokes off the lead, will play in the penultimate pairing—a scenario few predicted before his unforgettable swing.
