Shane Lowry fumes after 's---' R3 finish at The Masters: "Not gonna talk about Rory for 10 minutes"

Former Open champion Shane Lowry told reporters he 'wasn't going to talk about Rory McIlroy for 10 minutes' after a poor finish to his third round at the 2025 Masters.

Lowry still has slim chance of winning the green jacket at the first men's major of the year but he will have to overcome a seven-shot deficit.

The former claret jug winner played his first 14 holes in 2-under par at Augusta National on Saturday but made two closing bogeys to card a level par 72. 

Lowry missed a short par putt on the 17th and also dropped another stroke at the last after hitting his tee shot miles left. 

It left a sour taste in Lowry's mouth and he told media he believed golfers should be given more time to cool off. 

"I'm not going to stand here and talk about Rory for 10 minutes," Lowry told one reporter when asked if he found himself watching McIlroy play in the group behind. 

"I'm trying to win the tournament, as well. 

"I know that's what y'all want me to talk about, but I've just had a s-- finish, I've got a chance to win the Masters tomorrow, and I'm going to go hit some balls."

Collin Morikawa caused a stir earlier in the season when he declined to speak to media after his near-miss at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

Morikawa's decision drew criticism from the likes of former European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley and former PGA Tour pro turned analyst Brandel Chamblee. 

The two-time major champion has no regrets about his behaviour. 

"We talk about Collin Morikawa a few weeks ago," Lowry said. 

"I think we need time. I think I need a half an hour now to sit there and gather my thoughts.

"I can't be coming to talk to you guys straightaway. It shouldn't be happening. I don't agree with it.

"Tennis players have to talk to the media, but they have a half an hour or hour before they have to do it.

"I feel like we should have the same thing. That's how I feel. I'm probably going to say something stupid. 

"I probably already have said something stupid because I'm pissed off right now. I'm just going to leave, okay?"

Lowry's good friend McIlroy leads the 2025 Masters after 54 holes. 

McIlroy carded his second consecutive round of 6-under 66 to lead by two from reigning U.S. Open champion Bryson DeChambeau. 

It looked as though McIlroy was going to take at least a three-stroke advantage into the final round. 

But DeChambeau hit three birdies in his final four holes to set up a mouthwatering finale. 

McIlroy last won a major championship in 2014 and has fallen short at Augusta National on several occasions.