It’s not every day that a pro golfer’s daughter worries about being too famous for school. But at the recent TGL event between The Bay Golf Club and Boston Common Golf, that’s exactly what happened. Shane Lowry’s daughter, after watching her dad compete at SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, had the most adorable concern—she was nervous about going to school the next day because she’d be “so famous.” This innocent fear, coming from his soon-to-be eight-year-old, would undoubtedly have Rory McIlroy in splits.

The comment came after watching her father compete for THE BAY GOLF CLUB in their latest TGL match, the innovative indoor golf league that’s revolutionizing how fans experience the sport. Speaking from SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens after the match, where TGL has created a high-tech arena mixing virtual golf with real shots, Lowry shared more than just game details. “It was cool to bring my family. Look, I live 10 minutes away, so this is amazing for me,” shared Lowry, highlighting the unique advantage of being a local.

The TGL format, with its massive screens and simulator technology, has proven to be a gateway for young golf enthusiasts. His daughter’s growing interest in golf made the evening even more special. “She’s just started to get into golf a little bit. She goes and plays every Tuesday with one of her friends now, and to bring her down here tonight, she loved it here,” Lowry revealed, his pride evident in his words.

The impact of TGL on young golf enthusiasts wasn’t limited to the Lowry household. “I was talking to Tommy Fleetwood earlier. His son Frankie was here today, and he loved it as well,” Lowry noted, adding, “I think it’s great for kids of that age. Even talking to some friends I have in the area here now, they’re excited to get their kids down here, and they really feel like this could get their kids into golf.”

This hilarious moment of pre-school fame anxiety would certainly have his best friend and fellow TGL competitor Rory McIlroy rolling with laughter. After all, who better to appreciate such an innocent take on fame than his closest friend on tour?

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry: A friendship that savors every moment

Their story began in 2007 as teenage teammates representing Ireland, where they helped secure victory in the European Amateur Team Championship, and has evolved into one of golf’s most cherished relationships. “We’re probably closer than we’ve ever been. Our wives are friends, our kids are similar ages,” Lowry once reflected on their bond.

The duo’s journey hasn’t always been smooth sailing. They weathered a rough patch in 2014 during McIlroy’s legal dispute with their shared agency, but, like true friends, they patched things up over dinner in 2015. Since then, they’ve celebrated countless milestones together, including their emotional victory at the 2024 Zurich Classic, where McIlroy touchingly shared, “To win any PGA TOUR event is cool, but to do it with one of your closest friends… Think about where we met and where we’ve come from, to be on this stage and do this together—it’s just awesome.”

From her initial shyness to the amusing worry about her impending “fame,” Lowry’s daughter’s TGL experience perfectly encapsulates how golf’s next generation is finding new ways to connect with the sport. As Lowry concluded with a chuckle, planning ahead for future celebrations, “I did say to the boys, though, we do need to have a little party. Hopefully on the final night we’ll have a big one.” Do you think TGL’s innovative format is the key to attracting younger fans to golf? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!