19 November 2023 , 20:53
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Shane Lowry has opened up on his post- Ryder Cup party with European teammate Rory McIlory and basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Lowry helped Team Europe win back the Ryder Cup at the first time of asking, as Luke Donald's team defeated their American rivals 16.5-11.5 at Marco Simone in October. Unsurprisingly the Europeans celebrated in style and long into the night following their dominant victory in Rome.
It seems the after-party continued well into the week after the European victory, with Lowry, McIlroy and captain Donald partying on American soil when arriving back to their homes in Jupiter.
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As well as the European trio, a special guest in NBA great Jordan turned up, as they enjoyed a glass of wine or two at McIlroy's home. In an interview with the Irish Independent, Lowry revealed: "Myself, Rory, Luke and MJ sitting around talking about the Ryder Cup (laughs)... not really how I envisioned the celebrations."
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Chicago Bulls stalwart Jordan is of course known for his basketball career, but the American is a big fan of golf too. As well as being an avid player, Jordan has appeared at a number of Ryder Cups over the years, and this time around was part of the European debrief despite his American allegiances.
Teammate McIlroy also opened up on the post-tournament celebrations, and the four-time major champion - who won more points than any other at the 2023 Ryder Cup - admitted he needed a whole week to recover. Speaking at the United States Grand Prix last month, McIlroy told Sky Sports : "We kept the party going when we got back to the States the week after as well.
"I think Shane and I needed to recover for a week after having a week enjoying ourselves. Ryder Cups only come along every two years... I've been on the losing side of them and it feels awful so, when you do win them, you have to celebrate them. Shane and I definitely did that!"
Lowry not doubt earned his celebrations having been Europe's only starring light in their dismal defeat to the United States at Whistling Straits in 2021. Two years later, the Irishman was understandably full of emotion after finally becoming a Ryder Cup winner. "This is a dream come true for me and this is something that I've always wanted to achieve in this game," he said.
"We didn't get much going for us in Whistling Straits but I'm so proud of my team. There's 12 players and vice captains being backroom staff off the Tour, it's been the greatest week of my life. I've been so lucky to do what I've done in my game, and to be honest, those last few hours were the most stressful four hours of my life.
Me, Tommy [Fleetwood] and Bob [MacIntyre] joked this morning, hopefully it doesn't come down to us, and it did, and thankfully Tommy did the business and the rest was just celebration."