Full Breakdown
Shane Lowry Blames Course Setup for Struggles at PGA Championship
5/18/2026, 10:41:31 PM
Lowry’s Critique of Aronimink Setup
Irish Open champion Shane Lowry told the BBC that while he respects Aronimink Golf Club, “it has been set up poorly.” He said a major should become progressively harder, not ease after a difficult opening, and noted that other top players shared his view.
Performance and Prize Details
Lowry opened with a 68 (-2) but posted a 76 on day 2, leaving him four over par. He rebounded with rounds of 70 and 68, finishing tied for 44th, 11 shots behind champion Aaron Rai, and earning €43,328. A separate source lists him at T69. Fellow Irishmen Rory McIlroy earned €548,141 for a tie-seven finish, while Padraig Harrington collected €240,000 for a tie-18.
On-the-Ground Observations
During round 2 Lowry’s tee shot on the 17th was called “the worst shot we’ve ever seen from Shane as a pro” by a Sky Sports commentator. The mishit led to a double bogey that contributed to his 76. Throughout the tournament players repeatedly missed short putts on the slick greens, underscoring the difficulty of the pin placements.
Criticism & Opposition
Lowry argued the course “got it wrong on the first two days” and that Saturday’s easier set-up was “a reaction to the first two days, which is not right either.” He noted that Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler had voiced similar frustrations about pin placements and green speed. Critics contend that the inconsistent set-up compromised the championship’s competitive integrity.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Lowry’s final position: one report lists a tie for 44th, another records T69. No official comment from the PGA of America or Aronimink organizers is provided, leaving the rationale for the course set-up unaddressed.
What’s Next for PGA Course Set-ups
The collective player feedback is expected to pressure the PGA Championship’s organizing committee to review pin-placement strategies and green-speed policies for future majors, aiming for a more consistent difficulty curve.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He told the BBC: "I think it is a great golf course, but I think it has been set up poorly.” — Shane Lowry, PGA Championship participant
- “When you see the best players in the world struggling from 10-feet, you know that there is something wrong somewhere,” — Shane Lowry
- “I was happy to hear Rory and Scottie’s comments yesterday because it wasn’t just me feeling it out there,” — Shane Lowry
- “the worst shot we've ever seen from Shane as a pro” — Sky Sports commentator
