Lowry Faces Tough 2-Shot Penalty at The Open: A Heartbreaking Blow

Shane Lowry’s Penalty: A Tough Break at the Open Championship

At the Open Championship in Portrush, Northern Ireland, Shane Lowry faced a challenging moment during his second round. After a practice swing on the 12th hole, video appeared to show his ball moving slightly. Lowry went on to make par, but later, he was given a two-stroke penalty, changing his score from 1-under 69 to 1-over 71, putting him at even par for the championship.

“It’s disappointing,” Lowry said. “I felt like I played really well today.” For the former Open champion, not knowing about the ball movement until after the incident added to his frustration. A rules official approached him on the 15th fairway to discuss the potential penalty.

Lowry felt a sense of unease as he realized his score was at the cut line. After a lengthy discussion with rules officials and his playing partners, Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa, the penalty was confirmed. “I had to take it,” said Lowry, stressing he wasn’t trying to argue his case but felt let down by the lack of camera angles to fully assess the situation. He believed his swing didn’t impact the ball’s position.

Scheffler chimed in, noting how tough it was to determine if the ball moved from the video. “It was a very tough situation for him,” he said. “The last thing you want in golf is to be seen as a cheat.”

Statistics highlight that incidents like these are not uncommon in golf. According to the USGA, in 2020, the organization received numerous inquiries about similar rule violations, showcasing the challenges players face in high-pressure situations.

Despite the setback, Lowry managed to make the cut, but now he found himself 10 shots behind Scheffler instead of eight, a significant difference. He reflected on his performance, recalling his impressive 63 on Saturday in 2019 when he went on to win the Open in Portrush.

“It’s a bad break, but I will move on,” Lowry said. “I just need to dust myself off and give it a go tomorrow.”

In golf, every stroke counts, and every decision can change the game. As Lowry steps into the weekend, he carries the dual weight of disappointment and determination.

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