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Shane Lowry penalized at the Open Championship

Shane Lowry received a two-stroke penalty after ball movement was detected during his practice swing.

July 18, 2025 at 08:58 PM
blur Shane Lowry penalized at Open after ball appears to move

Shane Lowry received a two-stroke penalty at the Open Championship due to a disputed ball movement.

Shane Lowry faces controversial penalty at the Open Championship

Ireland's Shane Lowry was penalized two strokes during his second round at the Open Championship held on Friday. This occurred after a video replay appeared to show his ball moving slightly during a practice swing on the 12th hole in the rough. The penalty dropped his score from a 1-under 69 to a 1-over 71, leaving him at even par for the tournament and making the cut by just one shot. Lowry expressed disappointment, feeling he played well despite the outcome. He stated he had no awareness of the ball moving until a rules official informed him while he was walking towards the 15th hole. Following discussions with rules officials, Lowry accepted the ruling but criticized the lack of more camera angles to clarify the incident.

Key Takeaways

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Shane Lowry received a two-stroke penalty at the Open Championship.
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The penalty was due to a ball that appeared to move during a practice swing.
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This incident shifted Lowry's score and made for a tight cut situation.
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Lowry expressed disappointment but accepted the ruling without argument.
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Grabbed attention on social media and among competitors like Scottie Scheffler.
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Raises questions about fairness and clarity in golf regulations.

"It's obviously very disappointing. I felt like I played really, really well today."

Lowry reflects on his disappointment after the penalty.

"If the ball moved and I caused it to move and it moved, it's a two-shot penalty."

Lowry addresses the reasoning behind accepting the penalty.

"It's obviously very frustrating. It's frustrating for me as a competitor to watch him deal with that."

Scheffler expresses sympathy for Lowry's tough situation.

"I told them I definitely was looking down towards the ball as I was taking that practice swing, and I didn't see it move."

Lowry shares his perspective on not noticing any ball movement.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns within golf regarding the clarity and fairness of rule applications. Lowry's situation shows how a single moment caught on camera can change a player's fate in a significant tournament. The reliance on technology introduces both scrutiny and potential bias that players must now navigate. More comprehensive review protocols might be needed to ensure fair treatment and prevent similar controversies in the future. Lowry managed to remain composed despite the pressure, signaling a level of professionalism that athletes must uphold.

Highlights

  • A moment caught on camera changed everything for Lowry.
  • This two-shot penalty questions the fairness of golf rules.
  • Shane Lowry's composure under pressure is commendable.
  • Moving forward, golf must enhance its officiating clarity.

Potential impact on golf's credibility and officiating standards

The incident raises concerns about how rules are enforced in golf, especially with technology influencing outcomes. This may lead to backlash from players and fans demanding better clarity and fairness.

The incident calls for improved transparency in officiating golf matches.

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