Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry have long shared a deep friendship, both on and off the golf course. Their bond was on full display at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where both shot impressive seven-under rounds to lead the tournament at -15.
A Tale of Two Aces
Their camaraderie was evident during the event, especially when both achieved remarkable holes-in-one. McIlroy aced the par-three 15th at Spyglass Hill, while Lowry matched the feat on Pebble Beach’s iconic 7th hole. Following tradition, they treated the media to drinks, with Lowry humorously suggesting that McIlroy should cover the tab.
Friends First, Rivals Second
Their relationship has deepened over the years, with McIlroy noting, “I feel over the last couple of years that Shane’s been one of my biggest advocates. He’s a great person to be around, and a really good influence on me.” Lowry echoed this sentiment, stating, “We’re probably closer than we’ve ever been now. We spend a lot of time together, play a lot of golf together, practice together. Our wives are very close. Our kids are similar ages.”
Who Will Triumph in the Final Round?
As the tournament heads into its final round, the question remains: who will come out on top? McIlroy’s recent form has been exceptional, including his Race to Dubai title in November 2024. Meanwhile, Lowry showcased his ability to rise to the occasion by edging out McIlroy at the BMW PGA Championship last year.
Historically, McIlroy boasts a more extensive list of victories, but Lowry has demonstrated he can outperform even the best on any given day. Given McIlroy’s final-round prowess, he might be favoured to lift the trophy. Yet, Lowry’s resilience and recent form suggest it will be a thrilling battle to the finish. Either way, their friendship will endure—regardless of who takes the spoils at Pebble Beach.
