Shane Lowry temporarily lost his lead at the The Open Championship 2024 due to rule disputes. The former Open champion faced unexpected challenges and rule decisions on the second day of the tournament.
Lowry’s Lead at The Open Championship 2024
Shane Lowry started strong at the The Open Championship 2024. The 2019 champion led after the second round at the Royal Troon Golf Club, having navigated the first ten holes with three birdies and one bogey, securing a two-stroke lead.
The Controversial Incident on the 11th Hole
The 11th hole, one of the course’s most notorious par-4 holes known as “The Railway,” proved troublesome for Lowry. His second shot veered left into a gorse bush. Distracted by a photographer, Lowry claimed his shot was disrupted. Declaring his ball lost, he took a penalty and played a new ball onto the green. However, a spectator found the original ball, forcing Lowry to continue play with it.
The Ruling and Its Consequences
According to the golf rules, Lowry had to play the found ball. Despite his protests and frustration towards the photographer, the decision stood. Lowry incurred another penalty for an unplayable ball and played his fourth shot onto the green. He finished the hole with a double bogey, losing his sole lead and tying with England’s Daniel Brown. Despite the setback on the 11th hole, Lowry fought back to regain the solo lead by the end of the day.
Shane Lowry HOT Mic 🎙️ 🔥
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) July 19, 2024
🤬 “As I was over the ball I could just see you putting your f—kin’ camera up. Just get outta the way. Just get back there. F—k sake!” @LowryTracker
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