Golf fans were treated to a heartwarming and humorous behind-the-scenes story this week as Rory McIlroy shared an incredible tale about how his close friend Shane Lowry went above and beyond to help him celebrate his historic Masters victory in April 2025.

During a recent interview, McIlroy opened up about the unforgettable night following his win at Augusta National, revealing that Lowry defied tradition — and even bent a few rules — to mark the occasion in true style.

🗣️ “Funny story. When I won, Shane Lowry went straight to the sommelier at Augusta National and said: ‘I gotta get a couple cases of wine off you’,” McIlroy recalled with a grin.

“They said: ‘Mr. Lowry, we don’t allow people to take wine out of the club.’ He goes: ‘No, seriously, this is a one-off exception.’”

Incredibly, Augusta National — a club famous for its tradition, discretion, and strict rules — made a rare exception. The sommelier agreed to let Lowry purchase one case of the prestigious 1990 Château Lafite Rothschild, a wine revered by collectors and connoisseurs for its elegance and vintage pedigree.

“So that’s what we had that night to celebrate,” McIlroy said. “That was a very nice gift. He bought it and he brought it over to my rental house that night and we had a few glasses of that, which was very nice.”

The story offers a touching glimpse into the strong friendship between McIlroy and Lowry, two of Europe’s top golfers, and also provides a rare peek into the exclusive world of Augusta National, where few traditions are ever broken.

For McIlroy, the Masters 2025 win was more than just another major — it was the final jewel to complete his career Grand Slam, making him only the sixth golfer in history to achieve the feat. The moment carried enormous emotional weight, and it’s clear that the celebration was just as memorable.

Golf fans and wine lovers alike have been buzzing about the story since it surfaced, with many praising Lowry for his loyalty and sense of occasion.

This personal touch adds to the growing legend of McIlroy’s 2025 season, which has already seen him climb back to the top of the world rankings and reassert his position as one of the game’s greatest ambassadors.