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$29 Million PGA Tour Golfer’s Outburst at US Open Caught on Hot Mic

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sahil Goswami | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 7:32 AM ET

The 125th U.S. Open is underway at Oakmont Country Club, and it's already proving to be a brutal test. Known for its narrow fairways, deep rough, and lightning-fast greens, the course has been chewing up even the most seasoned pros. Several PGA Tour stars have stumbled early, and Irishman Shane Lowry, unfortunately, joins that list.

Lowry, the 2019 Open Championship winner, came into Oakmont hoping to finally end his winless streak this season. Despite strong finishes at Pebble Beach and the Truist Championship, where he nearly took the title, Lowry just couldn’t string it together this week.

His opening round saw a mix of bogeys, double bogeys, and even an eagle but the damage was already done. He carded a 9-over 79, ultimately missing the cut.

The frustration boiled over in a moment that quickly went viral. While playing the par-4 17th, Lowry chunked a chip shot just 17 feet after a solid drive. In an emotional outburst, he took his anger out on a nearby microphone caught on hot mic, with his irritated muttering making it to broadcast. Though the specific words were hard to catch, the raw emotion was unmistakable.

"Shane Lowry is DONE with Oakmont...," Nuclr Golf wrote. "(expletive) THIS PLACE," Lowry said.

He looked deflated a player desperate to win, watching another chance slip away.

Oakmont is taking its toll.

Shane Lowry forgot to mark his ball on the 14th green before picking it up. pic.twitter.com/KJDasXGheo
— Fried Egg Golf (@fried_egg_golf) June 13, 2025

Lowry's career earnings stand around $29 million, but it’s clear the money isn’t the motivator anymore. He’s after that long-awaited win–just one or two to make the grind feel worth it.

For now, Oakmont has had its say, and Lowry’s search for victory continues.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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