Lowry Suffers Penalty at the Open Championship: Tough Setback in Portrush

Shane Lowry penalized at the Open Championship after controversy on the 12th hole

Irish golfer Shane Lowry received a two-stroke penalty at the Open Championship, after the second round, due to an incident on the 12th hole. The controversy arose after the television broadcast showed his ball moving slightly during a practice swing in the rough. Lowry, who initially parred the hole, saw his score modified from 69 strokes (1 under par) to 71 (1 over par). This penalty left him at par for the championship, managing to make the cut by a single stroke.

It’s obviously very disappointing. I felt like I played really, really well today. And yes, it’s hard to accept.
Shane Lowry

The 2019 Open champion at Royal Portrush commented that he didn’t notice the ball movement or any problem until an official approached on the 15th hole. After a wait and discussion with the officials and his playing partners, Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa, the decision was announced.

I had to accept it… I wasn’t arguing my case, but I’m disappointed that they don’t have more camera angles.
Shane Lowry

Lowry added that, had he seen the ball movement, he would have penalized himself. Furthermore, he expressed that he felt the officials had already made a decision before reviewing the incident with the players. Scottie Scheffler, also involved in the round, commented that Lowry found himself in a difficult situation and that it was complicated to determine whether the ball moved or not in the video. Despite the penalty, Lowry managed to make the cut. Now, he will start the weekend ten strokes behind Scheffler.