Historic Hole-in-One Leaves Masters Aghast as Rory McIlroy Falters and Australia’s Jason Day Rises

Shane Lowry has etched his name in golf history as the first player to achieve two career holes-in-one at the Masters. He added another ace on Sunday (AEST) at the sixth hole during his third round at Augusta National, complementing the one he recorded on the 16th hole in the final round of the 2016 event.

Partnering with Tommy Fleetwood, the former British Open champion struck a 7-iron from 190 yards, watching as the ball bobbled thrice before sinking into the hole (see the video above). His celebration closely mirrored his reaction to the first ace a decade prior.

This marks Lowry’s second hole-in-one in consecutive tournaments, having previously achieved an ace at the second hole during the Memorial Park event at the Houston Open.

Regarding the Masters, this was the first hole-in-one since Stewart Cink’s ace on the 16th hole in 2022 and only the seventh on the notoriously challenging sixth hole, the previous being Cory Conners’ during the 2021 tournament.

Players who ace a hole during the Masters are awarded a crystal bowl as recognition.

Lowry’s collection of aces continues to grow at some of the most famous venues in golf. In addition to his two at Augusta National and his recent hole-in-one in Houston, he has also aced the 17th at TPC Sawgrass – renowned for its island green – as well as the seventh hole at Pebble Beach.

After his round, Lowry sat at -9, placing him fourth behind co-leaders Rory McIlroy (-11 after 17) and Cameron Young (-11).

McIlroy’s performance was inconsistent on ‘moving day’, as he briefly relinquished his lead to Young before regaining some composure. Young, the world No. 3, dazzled with a superb round of 65.

McIlroy had entered the day with a formidable six-shot lead, while Australia’s Jason Day made strides up the leaderboard with a round of 68, positioning him equal fifth at -8.

Day sits tied with England’s Justin Rose at that score with one round left to play.

Meanwhile, American Sam Burns holds third place at -10 after 17 holes.

MORE TO FOLLOW…