Shane Lowry may have found himself in hot water — or at least wet grass — during the second round of The Open Championship on Friday, after a potential rules infraction at Royal Portrush.
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AP Photo/Butch Dill
Lowry's tee shot on the par-5 12th hole veered left and settled into thick rough, creating a tricky lie amid damp conditions. As the 2019 Open champion prepared for his second shot, television cameras caught what appeared to be a subtle movement of his golf ball during a practice swing.
Lowry didn't react, seemingly unaware that his club may have caused the ball to oscillate. But the cameras were rolling, and the footage showed the ball shift just as his club brushed the grass.
Sure looks like Shane Lowry's ball moved on the practice swing here pic.twitter.com/qXkc8e1sTJ
— Fried Egg Golf (@fried_egg_golf) July 18, 2025
"As he prepared to hit his second shot, Lowry took a practice swing that appeared to make his ball move," wrote Steve DelVecchio of Larry Brown Sports. "He did not seem to notice what happened, but USA television cameras happened to be focused on his ball at the time.
Lowry went on to make par at the 12th and remained at 1-under. Still, he trailed the leaders by eight shots, and any penalty assessed could have significant implications heading into the weekend.
Whether Lowry faces a stroke or simply dodged a bit of bad luck, the moment added another layer of drama to an already demanding Open test.
