What happens when Rory McIlroy‘s approach shot finds an unexpected target — his own teammate? The 2025 Optum Golf Channel Games delivered exactly the kind of moment exhibition golf was made for. During the Team Relay competition, McIlroy’s shot on the 9th hole drifted alarmingly close to Shane Lowry, forcing his longtime friend into a quick sidestep.

Golf Channel captured the near-miss and shared it with playful commentary, leaning into the humor rather than any hint of danger. “Rory McIlroy was THAT CLOSE to hitting his teammate Shane Lowry,” the post read, emojis and all.

The clip immediately found its audience. Unlike traditional tournament golf, the Golf Channel Games thrives on these unscripted moments — personality over pressure, camaraderie over competition.

Lowry’s reaction was pure instinct. As McIlroy’s ball hooked sharply toward him near the green, Lowry sidestepped and jumped out of the way, dodging it by inches. Commentators noted it nearly clipped his shoes. “Look at the agility,” the broadcast remarked.

But here’s the thing: it didn’t matter.

Lowry continued without missing a beat, proceeding to his next shot in the timed relay format. Team McIlroy, which also featured Luke Donald and Haotong Li, went on to win the relay challenge, with Lowry himself draining the birdie putt that sealed it.

The humorous near-miss didn’t derail their performance. If anything, it reinforced why the Golf Channel Games exist in the first place. This wasn’t about grinding for a trophy. It was about entertainment under the lights, testing speed, and collaboration in a format that pushes players outside their comfort zones.

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Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry’s two-decade bond on full display

McIlroy and Lowry have known each other for nearly 20 years, their friendship tracing back to junior golf in Ireland. They represented their country together at the 2007 European Amateur Team Championship and have since become two of the most recognizable figures in Irish golf.

The relationship hasn’t always been smooth. A rift over management issues separated them from 2013 to 2015, but they reconciled over drinks after Lowry’s win at the Bridgestone Invitational. Since then, the bond has only deepened.

They now live a mile apart in Florida. Their wives are close. Their kids are similar ages. They practice together regularly.

That proximity means Lowry has witnessed the toll public scrutiny takes on McIlroy—and he’s stepped up accordingly. Lowry has consistently defended McIlroy publicly and shielded him from hostile crowds at Bethpage Black during the 2025 Ryder Cup, a recent profile revealed. Their Ryder Cup partnership record stands at two wins, one half, and one loss across 2021 and 2025.

If you add the 2024 Zurich Classic playoff victory to the ledger, the pattern becomes clear: these two perform when it matters.

So when McIlroy’s approach shot nearly took Lowry out at the Golf Channel Games, the laughter came easy. No frustration. No tension. Just two friends, under the lights, doing what they’ve done for years: competing together, surviving close calls, and walking off with the win anyway.

Team Scheffler ultimately claimed the overall Games title after a dramatic captain’s challenge playoff. But the relay belonged to Team McIlroy. And the viral moment? That belonged to everyone watching.