Shane Lowry reacted with fury after overhitting a shot at the Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday, with Sky Sports forced to issue an apology
11:28, 07 Nov 2025Updated 12:34, 07 Nov 2025
Sky Sports were forced to apologise after Shane Lowry’s outburst at the Abu Dhabi Championship(Image: Getty Images)
Sky Sports were forced to issue an apology after a furious outburst from Shane Lowry at the Abu Dhabi Championship. The golf star was left raging after he overhit his shot at the 17th tee, and his frustrations were picked up by the TV microphones.
Lowry, who is in with a chance of winning the tournament after a solid opening day, messed up his tee shot on the par-three 17th. Going with a seven iron, he attacked the green but got his shot all wrong as it sailed past the green and continued to roll down the slope.
The Irishman’s face said it all, looking annoyed as soon as he had hit the shot. Lowry was heard moaning: “Stop f***ing moving as well,” as the ball landed and started to roll away.
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Sky Sports commentator Dame Laura Davies immediately said sorry to viewers, saying: “Apologies there for the language. That’s going to be interesting, that one, straight downhill. I’m looking forward to seeing the magic of Shane Lowry on that one.”
Despite Lowry’s frustrations on the 17th, he enjoyed a decent day overall, posting three under to keep him tied for sixth and in the hunt, with leaders Aaron Rai and Tommy Fleetwood three shots in front on -14.
Lowry claimed the title at Yas Links in 2019 and has had several close misses in recent years. The Irishman ended the opening round this year in a five-way tie for the lead on -8 with Ryder Cup team-mate Fleetwood after both scored rounds of 64.
Speaking to DP World Tour social media after his opening round, the 2019 Open winner admitted he is excited to be playing so well alongside his friend, Fleetwood.
He said: “Hopefully, I can finish well this time. I was pretty excited when I saw the group, my pairing today, and it was nice to go out there with the boys.
Tommy Fleetwood and Lowry won the Ryder Cup together and are both in the hunt in Abu Dhabi(Image: Getty Images)
“I was paired with (Fleetwood) in India the first two days and I shot 64 as well. So yeah, something about me and Tommy. But no, I just like playing with him, your friend, and a really good player too. And you kind of feed off each other. It was nice.”
England’s Fleetwood, a two-time winner of this event, however, has pulled clear of the Irishman after shooting six under. The 34-year-old has already enjoyed an incredible year – claiming his first PGA Tour title and winning the Ryder Cup – and is looking in imperious form again in Abu Dhabi.
Speaking after carding -6 on Friday, he said: “A really good day. I got off to the perfect start; birdie, birdie, birdie, so that was good, especially when you’ve had a good day the day before. I think the old saying is that it’s always hard to follow up a good round with another good round or a low one with another good one, so starting good was really important.
“I just did a really good job, I hit some good shots but then there were a few times today where I drove it into the rough and we read the lies really well. I felt we did a great job with controlling the ball out the rough and that was really pleasing. Yeah, six under is a really good score.”
When asked if he feels like he’s in autopilot given how well he’s been playing, Fleetwood added: “I feel obviously good about my game when I’m doing so many things well and I’m also very aware of what the game can do to you as well, so I’m just staying very focused on each day.
“I had a pretty warm-up this morning really, but yeah, I’m having a lot of good rounds, but I’m not stupid, it’s bitten me enough times. I’ll enjoy these good ones but stay focused and stay trying to do the right things and just hopefully it can continue.”
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