Shane Lowry Scores Hole-in-One At Masters, Electrifies Augusta
Shane Lowry Scores Hole-in-One At Masters, Electrifies Augusta...
Irish golfer Shane Lowry delivered one of the most thrilling moments of the 2026 Masters Tournament on Saturday, sinking a hole-in-one on the iconic 16th hole at Augusta National. The crowd erupted as Lowry's perfect 8-iron shot from 170 yards landed softly before rolling straight into the cup, marking the first ace at this year's event.
The 2019 Open Championship winner raised his arms in celebration as playing partner Jon Rahm rushed to congratulate him. Lowry's ace came during the third round, briefly propelling him into contention before he finished the day at 2-under par. ESPN's broadcast captured the moment live, with commentator Jim Nantz calling it "pure Augusta magic."
Social media lit up immediately after the shot, with #LowryAce trending on Twitter/X within minutes. Golf fans praised the shot's precision, noting the 16th hole's history of dramatic moments, including Tiger Woods' famous chip-in in 2005. The PGA Tour's official account shared multiple angles of the shot, which garnered over 500,000 views in its first hour.
Lowry's ace marks the 34th hole-in-one in Masters history and the first since 2021. It came at a crucial moment in his round, providing momentum after back-to-back bogeys on 14 and 15. The shot earned Lowry a crystal vase from Augusta National, a traditional prize for aces during the tournament.
The 36-year-old becomes just the seventh player to ace the 16th hole during Masters competition. His achievement resonates particularly with American fans, as Lowry has developed a strong following since his emotional 2019 Open win at Royal Portrush. Many viewers noted the timing couldn't be better - coming during peak Saturday afternoon coverage when viewership peaks.
Augusta National's 16th hole, nicknamed "Redbud," has yielded more aces than any other hole in Masters history. The par-3's amphitheater setting creates one of golf's most electric atmospheres when players challenge the Sunday pin position. Lowry's shot landed just right of the bunker before curling left toward the hole, drawing immediate cheers from the Georgia crowd.
As the Masters enters its final round Sunday, Lowry's ace stands as the tournament's most viral moment so far. SportsCenter led with the highlight during its evening broadcast, while golf analysts debated whether it might spark a weekend charge from the popular Irishman. With clear skies forecast for Sunday, anticipation builds for whether Lowry can convert this moment into a serious championship challenge.
