Whatever happens this weekend at The Masters in Augusta, Shane Lowry has already created some unforgetable memories there in 2023.
The Offaly man has played the course on a couple of occassions this year already in the company of fellow golfing royalty, one of the NFL's all time greats and his own father and brother.
Lowry revealed details of his recent trip to Augusta when speaking to Paul Kimmage in the Sunday Independent last weekend.
In a fascinating and wide-ranging interview Lowry details his dream to become the first Irish man to win The Masters, his split from caddie Bo Martin and the passing of his uncle Jimmy, who's funeral he watched via livestream on the morning of the final day of a tournament.
His surprise Christmas present to his father Brendan and brother Alan also caught the eye.
Lowry became very friendly with Augusta member Ed Herilhy and used him to broker a deal that made Brendan and Alan's dreams come true.
"I said to him, ‘Ed, I would never ask you for anything again if I could bring my dad and brother to play Augusta at some stage.’ So we went up after the Players," Lowry tells Kimmage.
Not only that but Lowry and his family were joined by Rory McIlroy, his father Gerry, Jimmy Dunne (Augusta and PGA Tour policy board member) and NFL legend Tom Brady.
They all had dinner together before hitting the course.
"My dad hasn’t stopped talking about it," he says.
Shane Lowry and brother go head-to-head with Brady and McIlroy
"I played with my dad, Alan, and Ed on the Monday morning, and then myself, Alan, Rory and Tom played on the Monday afternoon. My brother is a big NFL fan and he was starstruck. It was pretty cool. It’s not every day you get to hang out with one of the greatest sports people of all time."
The Lowry brothers came up against McIlroy and Brady on the Monday afternoon and were beaten.
Brendan meanwhile had a day to remember putting in for birdie on the second hole and making par on the notoriously difficult 12th.
It was an emotional day for the family.
"He had a great day. We were standing on the third tee after he made birdie and I caught a glimpse of him as Ed was teeing off, looking back towards the clubhouse with tears in his eyes."
One suspects that if were Lowry to become the first Irish man to put on the green jacket come Sunday the tears of pride and joy would be flowing.
SEE ALSO: Unlikely Journey Takes Belfast Optometrist To Augusta For The Masters
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