Shane Lowry Hits Back At US Media Stereotype As Golf's Pintman

January 12, 2026

Shane Lowry has hit back at claims made by US golf media over his stereotype in America.

The Irishman has rubbished claims of being a big drinker, which seems to be the stereotype US media frequently run with.

Shane Lowry Hits Back At False US Golf Media Stereotypes

European Ryder Cup hero and former major champion Shane Lowry has hit back at the way he is stereotyped by US golf media.

The Mullingar-born golfer is widely renowned as one of the world’s best players on the course. However, there is also a feeling amongst US media that the 2019 Open champion is fond of a drink off the course too.

Although Lowry has been seen celebrating recent Ryder Cup victories and his own with an alcoholic drink in hand, he has revealed he doesn’t drink anywhere near as often as people might think.

In fact, the 38-year-old revealed he regularly turns down a beer and opts for soft drinks instead.

EUROPE IS ON FIRE 🏆🇪🇺#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/eiASuCaQ78

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 1, 2023

Lowry is eying Masters success in the first major championship of the year at Augusta in April, and would undoubtedly celebrate accordingly if he were to capture the Green Jacket come Sunday.

However, the Offaly man has rubbished any claims that he spends a lot of his time drinking alcohol when not on the golf course.

Lowry’s 2026 campaign is set to get underway with a Dubai double-header in January. He is making his Dubai Invitational debut, before teeing it up in the Dubai Desert Classic a week later before returning to America for the start of the PGA Tour season.

Now that the new season is about to get up and running, Lowry is fully focused on winning tournaments and adding to his trophy cabinet. He isn’t one bit concerned about having a drink of alcohol, contrary to what US golf media might say.

I’ve been lucky enough to achieve some amazing things in this game but last week tops them all. The Ryder cup means a lot to me and to have to opportunity to hole that putt to retain the cup on Sunday was a privilege.

I love the lads on this team and love being a part of it.… pic.twitter.com/Eoq01bQRFY

— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) September 30, 2025

Shane Lowry Rubbishes Claims Of Being Golf’s Pintman

Speaking on The 2 Johnnies Podcast, which was released on Monday, January 12, Shane Lowry addressed the perception that he is more associated with drinking alcohol and celebrating, rather than professionalism.

The 2019 Open Championship winner is widely regarded amongst US media as golf’s pintman, but has revealed that isn’t the case by any stretch of the imagination:

“I don’t actually drink as much as people say,” Lowry revealed.

“I don’t get back to Ireland that much so when I come back I love going for a few drinks with my friends.”

The Irishman even revealed he has a running joe with a few of his fellow pro’s about his media persona in America:

“I have an inside joke with Keegan Bradley. I know Keegan fairly well and Keegan’s like, ‘There’s this persona with you that you drink so much’, and I never drink when I’m with him.

“He’s like, ‘Have a drink’, and I’m like, no I don’t want to drink, I’ll have a Diet Coke, I’m grand. He hates that I have this persona.”

SHANE LOWRY COMES UP CLUTCH TO RETAIN THE RYDER CUP! #TeamEurope | #OurTimeOurPlace pic.twitter.com/Q6LKpWr0aQ

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 28, 2025

Although Lowry insists he isn’t as fond of an alcoholic beverage as some might think, he did admit to having celebrated well into the night after winning The Open at Royal Portrush back in 2019:

“After The Open it was very well documented, social media went bananas, everywhere I went. A few golfers have said to me after that they wish they celebrated their wins like that.

“It’s not going to be like that forever so you have to enjoy it,” Lowry concluded.

After landing two major sponsorship deals ahead of the 2026 season, Lowry is ready to hit the golf course and have a stellar season on both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.