Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry Withdraw from U.S. Open After Rule Breaches and Fines

Oakmont, June 13–14, 2025 

The 125th U.S. Open at Oakmont Country Club took a dramatic turn when two of golf’s most prominent names Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry made headlines not just for their scores, but for breaching tournament rules and choosing to withdraw under a cloud of fines and frustration.

Rory McIlroy: Club Smash, Media Snub, Rule Infraction & Exit

A breaking point on the course:
After a taxing second round concluded on Friday, McIlroy lost his composure—smashing a tee marker and hurling a club in visible frustration. Still, he managed a clutch final-hole birdie to secure his place in the weekend despite shooting over par (thetimes.co.uk).

Rule breach and fine:
Sources indicate McIlroy was officially fined for violating club conduct rules—a sanction levied by the USGA following his mid-round outburst.

Media blackout intensifies:

This is his fifth consecutive major where post-round media duties have been skipped, escalating tension between McIlroy and tournament officials. He argues, “I defend the right to choose when and how to communicate,” pointing to confidentiality breaches regarding equipment (talksport.com, talksport.com).

Withdrawal announced:
Following his fine, McIlroy made the unexpected decision to withdraw, citing the fine as the final straw against what he described as inconsistent enforcement of rules and media obligations.

Shane Lowry: Absent-Minded Rule Breach and Ironic Resignation

The infraction:
Lowry, enduring a brutal weekend (79 and 78), reached the 14th green during the second round, picked up his ball without marking it, and incurred a one-stroke penalty according to Rule 14.1—turning a bogey into a double bogey (sportsnet.ca).

A moment of levity:
Despite a grim overall performance, the incident was met with roaring laughter among Lowry and his partners, including McIlroy and Justin Rose (golf.com).

Decision to withdraw:
Already far outside the cut line, Lowry withdrew after being hit with the penalty. He quipped, “Probably one of the stupidest things I’ve ever done,” indicating fatigue and disillusionment played a role (nbcsports.com).

Implications & Conversations

• McIlroy’s exit follows growing debate over player obligations off the course. Golf leaders are now discussing mandatory post-round media duties, backed by growing fan and sponsor sentiment (talksport.com).
• Lowry’s mistake, though lighthearted, highlights how even minor lapses can result in costly penalties, especially under U.S. Open pressure.
• The bigger picture: Two of Europe’s Ryder Cup stalwarts exited Oakmont not technically due to missed cuts, but via self-inflicted wounds—pointing to a blend of emotional fatigue and regulatory impatience amid one of the toughest major tests.

What Comes Next

• The USGA is expected to release an official summary of McIlroy’s fine and the exact rule he broke.
• Local and global coverage continues to discuss whether future media obligations should be codified.
• Both McIlroy and Lowry are expected to appear at forthcoming tour events, although their Oakmont withdrawals may cast a lingering shadow.

This sequence of events has stirred a spirited mix of amusement, controversy, and policy discussion, underscoring the intense scrutiny and mental pressure athletes face at golf’s highest levels.