Shane Lowry faced significant scrutiny after his ball moved slightly during a practice swing on the 12th hole of the British Open’s second round. The governing body of the tournament, the R&A, delayed their ruling until after Lowry completed his round, informing him on the 15th fairway that they would review the footage together later.
Lowry explained that he was unaware of the movement and questioned the potential implications of a penalty, specifically a two-shot penalty for causing the ball to move and for not replacing it to its original position. Initially positioned at 2-under par for the day, the penalty ultimately brought him to an even par finish for the round.
During the subsequent meeting, the R&A ruled against Lowry, asserting that their assessment indicated he had indeed caused the ball to shift. Lowry voiced his disappointment, noting that while he felt the officiating crew had seemingly made up their minds beforehand, he chose to accept the penalty to avoid further controversy surrounding his conduct.
The incident was amplified by the use of technology as Lowry’s group featured prominently in broadcasts, leading to a closer examination that may not have been possible in less scrutinized conditions. Collin Morikawa and Scottie Scheffler, who were playing alongside Lowry, expressed empathy for his situation, recognizing the difficulty in determining if Lowry’s actions had indeed caused the movement and acknowledging how easy it is for a player to be labeled unfairly.
While the R&A released a statement clarifying the criteria used to assess whether a penalty was warranted, they emphasized that the movement of Lowry’s ball was discernible to the naked eye, a key factor in their decision.
This incident illustrates the challenges and intricacies of golf’s rules, particularly when coupled with modern technology that can highlight minute details. It’s a reminder of the fine line players walk in the adherence to rules and the perception of their actions by the public and fellow competitors.
Despite the setback, Lowry remains a competitive player with past success at The Open, and it’s hopeful that he will continue to demonstrate the resilience that has characterized his career.