Shane Lowry’s 2026 campaign started with a result that will be tough to shake off.
The Irishman had a real opportunity to start the year with a win, needing just a birdie on the final hole to wrap up the Dubai Invitational title.
Even making par would have been enough to force extra holes against Nacho Elvira at Dubai Creek Resort.
But a pair of errors late on left him sharing third place, turning what could have been an ideal start into a missed chance.
Reflecting on how it finished, Lowry admitted it won’t be something he’ll quickly put behind him, acknowledging it as one of those setbacks you need time to move past.
Lowry opens up on Dubai Invitational collapse
Lowry split the fairway off the tee on the 18th, but his approach found the greenside bunker.
He then compounded the error by sending his bunker shot long, finding the water behind the green.
After taking a penalty drop, he carded a double bogey to fall out of contention in Dubai.
The mistakes clearly weighed on Lowry, but he made it clear he’s focused on moving forward.
“Eighteenth season on Tour and golf never gets easier,” he posted. “Sore one to take yesterday, but another opportunity this week.”
Shane Lowry will be hoping to bounce back in the Dubai Desert Classic
One positive for Lowry is that he won’t have to wait long for another chance to put things right.
The 38-year-old is set to tee it up again this week at the Dubai Desert Classic, held at Emirates Golf Club.
But he’ll be facing a far deeper field this time around, with players like Tyrrell Hatton and Viktor Hovland among those also looking to get their seasons off to strong starts.
Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, has already established himself as one of the event’s most successful players and is always a threat on this course.
Lowry’s recent form suggests he’s more than capable of contending. If he can stay consistent throughout the week, there’s every reason to believe he’ll be in the mix come Sunday afternoon.
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