Royal Portrush, July 19, 2025 — Shane Lowry’s second round at The Open Championship took a dramatic turn after he was retroactively assessed a two-stroke penalty by the R&A for a rules breach stemming from a seemingly harmless practice swing.
The incident occurred on the 12th hole, where Lowry took a practice swing in the rough near his ball. Though unnoticed at the time by officials or his playing partners, slow-motion footage reviewed after the round showed Lowry’s club brushing the tall grass and causing a slight movement of his ball. Under Rule 9.4b of the Rules of Golf, players are penalized if they cause their ball to move when it is not on the putting green and not in the process of making a stroke.
Lowry, who had signed for an even-par 71, was later informed by R&A officials of the penalty, changing his official score to a 73 and pushing him closer to the projected cut line.
“I wasn’t aware the ball moved at all,” Lowry said after being told of the ruling. “I was just making a practice swing and didn’t feel or see anything. But I respect the decision. It’s the rules, and they’re there for everyone.”
The R&A issued a statement confirming the decision: “Following a review of broadcast footage and discussion with the player, it was determined that Mr. Lowry caused his ball to move during a practice swing in the rough. As required under Rule 9.4, a two-stroke penalty has been applied.”
Lowry, a fan favorite and former Open champion, had been hoping to make a charge heading into the weekend at Royal Portrush, where he famously lifted the Claret Jug in 2019. The penalty now puts added pressure on his third round, especially as conditions continue to challenge players across the leaderboard.
The decision sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some questioning whether such rulings should hinge on slow-motion video review, particularly for movements imperceptible in real time.
Nonetheless, Lowry took the ruling in stride, adding, “It’s disappointing, sure, but I’ve got to move on. There’s still a lot of golf left to be played.”
He’ll need a strong performance on Saturday to remain in contention — and to put the controversy firmly behind him.
