Shane Lowry Makes Masters History with Second Hole-in-One at Augusta National
Shane Lowry wrote his name into the history books at Augusta National on Saturday, becoming the first player ever to record two career holes-in-one at the Masters — a stunning achievement that sent the galleries into raptures and propelled the Offaly man firmly into contention for his first green jacket.
The moment came on the par-3 sixth hole during the third round of the 2026 Masters. Lowry stepped up with a 7-iron from 190 yards, struck the ball cleanly, and watched it hop three times before disappearing into the cup. The roar from the Augusta crowd was immediate and enormous.
A Historic Achievement
Lowry's first Masters hole-in-one came a decade earlier, on the par-3 16th hole during the final round of the 2016 tournament. Saturday's ace on the sixth — only the seventh ever recorded on that notoriously difficult, downhill hole — made him the first player in the tournament's history to achieve the feat twice at Augusta National.
For his achievement, Lowry received a crystal bowl, the traditional prize given to players who record an ace at Augusta since 1967. It was his second such award.
Playing partner Tommy Fleetwood embraced Lowry in celebration, while American player Harris English, on a nearby green, offered a playful bow in acknowledgement of the moment.
A Man in Form
The ace was Lowry's second hole-in-one in as many events. Just weeks earlier, in March 2026, he made an ace on the second hole at Memorial Park during the Houston Open, using the same 7-iron. He has also recorded aces at TPC Sawgrass during The Players Championship in 2022 and at Pebble Beach in January 2025.
Asked about his remarkable knack for aces, Lowry laughed: "Maybe I'm just good. I don't know."
Into Contention
The ace moved Lowry from 6-under to 8-under par in a single stroke. He finished the third round with a 68, bringing his tournament total to 9-under par — just two shots behind co-leaders Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young, who are tied at 11-under. Fellow Irishman McIlroy, the defending champion, is seeking to become only the fourth player to win back-to-back Masters titles.
Lowry said of the final round: "We all know it's all about tomorrow... that's when, you know, we'll see what everyone is made of."
Why It Matters
For Irish golf fans, the prospect of an all-island Masters Sunday — with both McIlroy and Lowry in contention — is a source of enormous excitement. Lowry, who won The Open Championship at Royal Portrush in 2019, has long been one of the most popular figures in world golf, known for his warmth, humour, and passionate connection with Irish supporters.
Full Masters leaderboard and coverage is available at BBC Sport.
