Shane Lowry found himself at the centre of an embarrassing rules incident during the second round of the U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club, as he incurred a one-stroke penalty on the 14th green for lifting his ball without marking it—sparking laughter among his playing partners and raising questions about on-course pressure.
Lowry, a former Open Champion, was already struggling through a tough weekend, standing at 14-over par entering the hole. After his tee shot landed in the thick rough just short of the green, he chipped to around 55 feet. In a brief moment of confusion, he picked the ball up without marking its position, immediately locking eyes with caddie Darren Reynolds—and then began to chuckle. Fellow competitors Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose couldn’t contain their amusement, the group sharing a lighthearted moment amid the intensity (golfmagic.com).
By the letter of Rule 14.1a, all lifted balls must be marked before removal. Lowry’s oversight meant he had to assess himself a one-shot penalty, a prompt he delivered with characteristic self-awareness (golfmagic.com).
Despite the penalty, Lowry took it in stride, joking to those around him. However, the incident underscored the punishing nature of Oakmont—especially under the scrutiny of one of golf’s most demanding majors. Scores remain high across the field, with only a handful of players managing to stay under par (theguardian.com).
Why it happened:
According to Rule 14.1a, a player who lifts their ball before marking its position incurs a one-stroke penalty. Lowry admitted the mistake instantly and called it on himself—a testament to the importance of concentration and composure in major championships (golfmagic.com).
Reactions:
Oakmont is taking its toll, tweeted @fried_egg_golf.
The chuckles shared between Lowry, McIlroy, and Rose reflected the camaraderie of competition—even in awkward moments (golfmagic.com).
What happens next:
Lowry will continue his battle and aims to make the weekend despite being significantly over par. The moment serves as a reminder that even elite players can stumble on simple procedural rules during high-pressure situations.
While the penalty has little bearing on the standings, it offers insight into the immense mental demands of elite golf—and how even champions can be tripped up by the small stuff.
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