Shane Lowry 2026 Season Preview: Can He Return to Winning Ways?

Shane Lowry’s 2026 PGA Tour season got off to a strong start at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, with the Offaly native finishing tied 8th at -18, just four shots behind winner Collin Morikawa. This was Lowry’s third golf event of the 2026 season, having already played two DP World Tour events — the Dubai Invitational and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

Lowry finished tied 3rd and tied 26th in those events, respectively. At the Dubai Invitational, he held the lead heading to the 72nd hole before finding water from a greenside bunker, ultimately losing the tournament. It was a huge opportunity to return to the winner’s circle. Lowry last won in 2024 alongside Rory McIlroy at the Zurich Classic, while his last individual victory came at the 2022 BMW PGA Championship. Will 2026 be the year he secures another solo title? Let’s assess his chances.

How Shane Lowry Performed in 2025

Although 2025 was a winless year for Shane Lowry, it was still a highly competitive and productive campaign. He finished runner-up at the 2025 AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, losing to Rory McIlroy by just two strokes. Lowry also recorded top-10 finishes at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Valspar Championship, as well as another runner-up finish at the Truist Championship, where he fell short by two strokes to Sepp Straka.

However, Lowry struggled in the major championships. He missed the cut at both the PGA Championship and the U.S. Open, and finished tied 42nd at the Masters and tied 40th at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush — the site of his memorable 2019 major triumph.

Lowry qualified for the Tour Championship for the second consecutive year, finishing tied 13th and earning $570,000. His consistency throughout the season earned him selection for the 2025 Ryder Cup team. Europe secured a historic 15–13 victory on U.S. soil — their first since 2012. Lowry remained unbeaten alongside Rory McIlroy, recording one win and one draw. On Singles Sunday, Lowry defeated Russell Henley, holing the decisive putt to retain the Ryder Cup for Europe — a career-defining moment.

Overall, 2025 reinforced Lowry’s status among the world’s elite. While he did not capture a title, his consistency and composure under pressure made it one of the most memorable years of his career.

Can Shane Lowry Win on the PGA Tour in 2026?

Lowry’s primary objective in 2026 will be to return to the winner’s enclosure. He has seven professional victories, with his most recent individual win coming in 2022. Although he may feel he could have added more titles to his résumé, his victories include prestigious tournaments such as the 2019 Open Championship, the 2015 WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, and the 2022 BMW PGA Championship — the flagship event on the DP World Tour.

Lowry should enter 2026 full of confidence following his Ryder Cup heroics and consistent PGA Tour performances. However, he has shown at times that closing out tournaments can be a challenge, most recently at the Dubai Invitational. Winning on today’s tours is increasingly competitive, with a deep field of players capable of claiming major titles.

That said, Lowry has repeatedly demonstrated that he thrives under pressure — particularly in team competition. If he can transfer that Ryder Cup composure to individual events, 2026 could well see him lifting another trophy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lowry’s strong and consistent 2025 season has laid a solid foundation for a successful 2026. His early-season tied 8th finish on the PGA Tour suggests his game is already in good shape. For a player of Lowry’s calibre, success ultimately means winning. Given his form, experience, and proven ability on the biggest stages, 2026 could be the year Shane Lowry returns to winning ways.

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