Rory McIlroy admitted it would be "absolutely incredible" to watch Shane Lowry secure his second Amgen Irish Open title after signing off his home event with his best round of the week.
The 37-year-old was defending his crown at Trump International Golf Links & Hotel, Ireland, Doonbeg after he defeated Joakim Lagergren in a play-off at The K Club 12 months ago.
He had highlights throughout the week, but McIlory could not mount a serious challenge at the top of the leaderboard as Lowry surged to 16 under after the third round.
Sunday saw McIlroy card six birdies and a dropped shot through 14 holes and although he had a late blip with a double bogey at the 16th and a bogey at the 17th, the six-time Major Champion closed with a birdie to finish the tournament in the red at one under following his final-day 67.
Although he will not be around for the conclusion of the event, McIlroy is hoping Lowry can add another Amgen Irish Open to his CV after winning as an amateur in 2009.
McIlroy closes his 2026 Amgen Irish Open campaign with seven birdies and currently sits T41 📊#AmgenIrishOpen pic.twitter.com/tfy3F0AHHY
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) September 13, 2026
"It would be absolutely incredible," McIlroy said of another Lowry success. "He had a couple of chances earlier this year at the Honda and the Cognizant. I felt like he never got going with his season after that, it knocked him back a little bit.
"To see him in contention out there, obviously the whole country would love to see him get it done, me included."
On his round he added: "I think overall, I've seen enough good stuff this week to give me encouragement going into next week, a golf course that I know well and a golf course that I've had success on.
"Obviously it wasn't the week that I wanted but at the same time, I don't feel too far away, and I feel good about going into Wentworth next week.
"I thought I hit the ball pretty well for the most part. A couple of bad decisions off the tees yesterday, but overall, iron play was a lot better. That's getting there.
"Wedge play was pretty good for the most part this week. Obviously it was a struggle on the greens, that was the difficult thing and why I wasn't able to get myself into contention.
"A little bit of time on the putting green over the next couple days and get familiar with the greens at Wentworth again.
"A few big numbers in there but enough good stuff, enough positives to take encouragement from that and head into next week, I feel like I'm not too far away."
Trump Ireland was making its first apperance on the DP World Tour and McIlroy applauded the venue and sponsor Amgen for their continued support of the event.
"I think it's been a great week. I think it's looked great on TV," the World Number Two said.
"There's been a lot of crowds. Obviously we have a great leaderboard, and everyone hopes that Shane gets it done today. Overall, I think it's been a great week.
"Every tournament needs a great sponsor and Amgen stepped up. They have been amazing the last few years. I think the venues that we've had as well have been good too.
"I think it's a better date in the calendar. Looks like it won't be this date next year because of the Ryder Cup, but I think this date in the calendar has done well for the tournament."
