Less than two years after making its debut, TGL is already adding a historic first to its growing legacy. The indoor, tech-infused team golf league reached a new milestone on Monday, announcing the first trade in its history. 2019 Open Championship winner Shane Lowry has now been acquired by Boston Common Golf.
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In return for Lowry, The Bay Golf Club will receive Boston Common Golf’s fourth pick in the upcoming roster-formation process, an additional selection in one of the next three seasons, and undisclosed commercial considerations. The update was first reported by Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter.
Lowry’s place in TGL history stretches back to its opening night. On January 7, 2025, he hit the league’s first tee shot as The Bay defeated New York Golf Club 9-2 in the inaugural match.
The trade comes on the heels of TGL’s decision to expand rosters to five players across all seven teams for the 2027 season. According to Front Office Sports’ David Rumsey, the move will bring the league’s total to 35 PGA Tour players in its third season, up from 24 full-time players plus alternates last season.
That increase also reflects the arrival of Motor City Golf Club, which will represent Detroit as TGL’s seventh team in 2027. Announced in May 2025 as the league’s first expansion franchise, Motor City joins the six founding teams, including Boston Common Golf and The Bay Golf Club.
However, the expanded rosters won’t mean more players competing at once. Teams will continue to field three players per match, giving them greater flexibility when selecting their lineups.
Boston said its full 2027 roster would be announced in the coming days. Its lineup last season included Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama, but the team had not yet confirmed whether all four would return alongside Lowry.
Michael Thorbjornsen could also remain involved with Boston. According to Sports Business Journal’s Josh Carpenter, the Massachusetts native filled in for the team in multiple matches last season and was expected to be involved again in 2027, although a permanent roster spot had not been confirmed.
For Lowry, the move brings a reunion with close friend McIlroy. The pair have already enjoyed success together, winning the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans after defeating Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer on the first playoff hole.
Boston Common Golf’s roster now features Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Adam Scott, Hideki Matsuyama, and Lowry. The move reunites Lowry with his close friend World No. 2 McIlroy, who co-founded TGL and captains the Boston team. The two have already enjoyed success together on the course, winning the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
They defeated Chad Ramey and Martin Trainer in a playoff, sealing the victory on the first extra hole. Perhaps that’s why the six-time major champion is eager to have his friend on his team.
“Shane is a great friend and someone I love having alongside me in team competition,” said McIlroy. “We’ve had some special wins together, including at the Zurich Classic, and I know the quality of his game and how much he cares about winning for his teammates. I’m delighted to welcome him to Boston Common Golf and excited about what we can achieve together this season.”
Meanwhile, Shane Lowry is also excited to play alongside his close friend.
“I’m delighted to be joining Boston Common Golf,” Lowry said. “Having Rory alongside me and being part of this group makes it particularly exciting, and I’m looking forward to helping the team bring a championship to Boston.”
Boston Common Golf president Mark Lev pointed to Lowry’s major-winning pedigree and experience in team competition as reasons for welcoming him. Lev also highlighted his competitive spirit, personality and sense of humor, describing him as a strong fit for the group as Boston pursues a championship.
Lowry brings three PGA Tour victories and seven DP World Tour titles, and not to mention the 2019 Open Championship win at Royal Portrush. Most recently, he won the Irish Open by 11 strokes in September 2026, securing his first DP World Tour title since the 2022 BMW PGA Championship. The victory marked his second win at the event where he first broke through as an amateur in 2009, before turning professional later that year.
His record at the other majors further strengthens Boston’s lineup. Lowry finished tied for second at the 2016 U.S. Open, tied for third at the 2022 Masters and tied for fourth at the 2021 PGA Championship. He has also reached a career-high world ranking of No. 10 and helped Europe win the Ryder Cup in 2023 and retain the trophy in 2025.
That experience has Bradley looking forward to teaming up with him.
“Shane is a fierce competitor with a tremendous all-around game, and I’m excited to have him on our side,” said Bradley. “He brings the kind of energy that makes team golf fun, and he’ll fit right in with this group. We’re eager to get back to SoFi Center, and adding Shane gives us even more confidence as we chase a championship for Boston.”
Lowry’s move gives Boston Common Golf another proven winner while reuniting him with McIlroy for TGL’s upcoming season. With expanded rosters and the league’s first-ever trade now in the books, the race for its next championship is taking shape.