FOOTAGE: Heartbreak on the 18th hole as Shane Lowry misses out in Dubai

Late drama ruins golden opportunity

Shane Lowry came agonisingly close to securing his first DP World Tour victory since 2022, only for a disastrous final hole to derail his chances at the Dubai Invitational.

The Offaly native produced an excellent final-round performance on Sunday, putting himself firmly in contention throughout the day. Lowry battled with Rory McIlroy and several other challengers, eventually stepping onto the 18th tee with a one-shot lead and the tournament within touching distance.

Trouble strikes at the worst moment

Lowry started the final hole well, producing an excellent drive down the fairway that left him with a very manageable approach shot. However, what followed would prove costly.

His second shot found the greenside bunker. While far from ideal, the situation was still salvageable. An up-and-down was well within reach, especially as Spain’s Nacho Elvira had just moved into a tie for the lead with a birdie on the 17th.

Disaster then struck from the sand. Lowry’s bunker shot flew beyond the green and into the water on the far side, instantly turning a controllable situation into a nightmare.

Double bogey ends title hopes

Forced to take a drop, Lowry was playing his fifth shot on the par-four. While he recovered reasonably well with a solid chip and putt, the damage was already done, and he carded a double bogey on the hole.

That error ended his chances of victory. Elvira went on to claim the title at ten-under-par, with a simple par on the 18th having been enough to send Lowry into a play-off.

A tied-third finish remains a respectable result, but given the position he held heading down the final fairway, it will feel like a major missed opportunity for Lowry in Dubai.