Shane Lowry Endures Two-Stroke Penalty at Open, But Not For Reason You Think

Newsweek

2 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Shane Lowry received a two-stroke penalty during the second round of the Open Championship. Officials noted that his ball moved during his second shot on the 12th hole, and the consequences could be decisive for his fate in the event.
However, Lowry didn't accept the penalty just because of the ball's movement, as the rules officials ruled. His reasons were more related to his character and the meaning of being in this type of situation as a golfer.
"I had to take the penalty because -- I'm still not sure, to be honest, whether it was or not, but I had to take the penalty because I can't have my name talked about or tossed around like that, and I just get on with it," Lowry said via a transcript of his post-round press conference.
Video of the moment is available in numerous social media posts, and it's easy to see how complex the situation was.
Needless to say, Lowry wasn't at all happy with the officers' decision.
"I think they had it in their heads the ball moved, I caused it to move, it's a two-shot penalty. They only had one camera angle which was zoomed in at the ball. They had none of me actually full length, which we were looking for and needed," Lowry was quoted as saying.
The movement of the ball at rest is regulated by Rule 9 of the Rules of Golf established by the R&A and the United States Golf Association. Basically, if a player moves their ball, they receive a two-stroke penalty, regardless of whether it was unintentional or if the movement did not result in a more favorable lie.
Golf Insider Points Out "Structural Problem" Behind Shane Lowry's Case
The matter prompted, among others, a reaction from well-known golf statistician Lou Stagner, who assessed the significance of Lowry's alleged ball movement. Stagner also offered his opinion on the underlying reasons for such situations.
Shane Lowry of Ireland on the 15th hole during day two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland.
Shane Lowry of Ireland on the 15th hole during day two of The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club on July 18, 2025 in Portrush, Northern Ireland."This is where golf's rules become divorced from common sense. What happened to Lowry should not be a penalty. There needs to be space in the rulebook for judgment. If the movement of the ball gave no benefit, there should be no consequence," he said via X. "The deeper problem is structural. The USGA and R&A are self-appointed governing bodies. They have no competition. They can operate however they choose. That is the nature of a monopoly."
The truth is, Lowry went from being tied for 17th at 2-under to making the cut by one stroke at even par. The Irishman wasn't exactly in contention for the title, as Scottie Scheffler leads at 10-under, but his situation was decidedly more favorable.
"Look, it's a disappointing thing to happen to me, but that's golf," Lowry told reporters, according to the transcript, trying to see the bright side. "Onwards and upwards and give it a run this weekend."
More Golf: Open Championship: Rory McIlroy Struggles Amid Local Hero 'Added Pressure'