Lowry Seizes Control of Amgen Irish Open with Clutch Putting Display

Shane Lowry took control of the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, carding a five-under-par 65 to lead by four strokes going into the final round.

The Offaly man began the day three shots clear and never looked flustered as he birdied the first and fourth holes before bogeying the fifth to take a two-shot lead. He was soon tied with Danish left-hander Jacob Skov Olesen, but Lowry regained his advantage with a 12-foot birdie putt at the 10th hole.

Lowry went on to make several key putts, including an eight-foot birdie at the 12th and another eight-footer for par at the 13th. He was three clear after a wedge shot to three feet at the 15th and maintained his lead until the end of the round.

Olesen, who eagled the eighth from 30 feet, three-putted from close range for a bogey on the final hole, allowing Lowry to maintain his four-shot advantage going into the final round. Tom McKibbin dropped two shots in his last four holes and is tied with Rory McIlroy for fourth place.

McIlroy's title chances evaporated when he turned in six-over-par 40 and signed for a 74 that left him 50th on two-under-par. He lost a ball at the third hole as Air Force One flew low over the course, but planned to join President Trump at a dinner party later.

Galway's Liam Nolan carded a second successive two-under-par 68 and is tied for 26th place on two-under-par in his Irish Open debut. He attributed his success to staying focused and avoiding distractions by keeping his head down.