Shane Lowry, the popular Irish golfer and 2019 Open Champion, found himself in hot water with PGA Tour fans over the weekend after a moment at the Truist Championship that sparked widespread backlash. A now-viral image shows Lowry appearing to walk past a young girl reaching out for a high-five, prompting many fans to accuse him of shunning her and lacking sportsmanship.
The incident occurred as Lowry was making his way off the course, walking up a set of stairs while several fans, including children, extended their hands in hopes of an acknowledgment or a simple high-five. In the snapshot that circulated widely on social media, Lowry is seen passing by without engaging with the fans — a move that quickly drew criticism from viewers who felt he had ignored a heartfelt moment of connection.
“It’s just disappointing to see,” one fan commented online. “These players are role models, and a simple high-five could mean the world to a kid.” Others argued that while the moment may have looked dismissive, it’s possible Lowry simply didn’t see the girl in the commotion of the event or was focused on his performance.
Some fans came to Lowry’s defense, noting his typically warm and friendly demeanor with fans in the past. “This doesn’t seem like Shane at all,” one supporter wrote. “Let’s give him the benefit of the doubt until more context is available.”
As of now, Lowry has not made a public statement addressing the incident. However, given the traction the photo has gained, a response could soon follow, especially as fan perception remains critical in the world of professional sports.
The incident serves as a reminder of how closely athletes are watched during events and how small moments — even unintentional ones — can have a lasting impact on their public image. Whether it was a simple oversight or a misinterpreted situation, Shane Lowry will likely be more mindful of those fleeting but powerful fan interactions moving forward.