Fuming Shane Lowry walks out of live Masters interview after Rory McIlroy question

At the Masters, Shane Lowry cut short his post-round interviews after becoming visibly agitated by a question about fellow golfer Rory McIlroy. Despite a strong showing, Lowry's fortunes changed with bogeys on the last two holes, leaving him clearly upset.

When asked about McIlroy, a close friend and key figure in the day's events, Lowry's frustration boiled over.

"No. No, I'm not going to stand here and talk about Rory for 10 minutes," he said brusquely. "I'm trying to win the tournament, as well."

Lowry continued, voicing his exasperation and resolve: "I know that's what y'all want me to talk about, but I've just had a s**t finish, I've got a chance to win the Masters tomorrow, and I'm going to go hit some balls."

Later, Lowry acknowledged McIlroy's impact on the electric atmosphere, crediting his presence with adding to the excitement. "I got off to a great start," he noted, reports the Express.

"There was an unbelievable atmosphere out there. Rory obviously was playing good behind and the roars, you had to stand off it a little bit, wait for those to happen, wait for him to get the shots.

"But I've been around the block long enough to know that I need to do that. I felt like I did a good job. It's just a very unfortunate finish. I'm very disappointed. But that's this game. If I play the way I can play, I'll be there or thereabouts tomorrow."

Lowry's frustration was palpable as he reflected on the physical toll of his game, especially towards the end. "Yeah, a lot of pain, especially those last two holes," he admitted.

He continued, sharing the rollercoaster of emotions during play: "I enjoyed every bit of today and then I hit that putt on 17 and I couldn't believe it. I thought I did great holing one back and then just hit a very poor tee shot on 18."

In addition to physical strain, Lowry communicated his dissatisfaction with the immediate media obligations post-game. "I'm going to go and - we talk about Collin Morikawa a few weeks ago. I think we need time. I think I need a half an hour now to sit there and gather my thoughts. I can't be coming to talk to you guys straight away. It shouldn't be happening. I don't agree with it," he firmly stated.

He then highlighted the discrepancy in how different sports manage media relations. "Tennis players have to talk to the media, but they have a half an hour or hour before they have to do it. I feel like we should have the same thing. That's how I feel. I'm probably going to say something stupid. I probably already have said something stupid because I'm p****d off right now. I'm just going to leave, OK?" With those words, Lowry exited the podium stage.