Shane Lowry has cast doubt over a contentious two-shot penalty imposed during The Open at Royal Troon, leaving fans and analysts divided.
The Irish golfer, known for his candid nature, expressed his frustration after being penalised for what officials deemed a rules violation. Lowry, however, remains unconvinced by the decision.
Controversial Call Divides Opinions
The incident occurred during the third round, when Lowry was adjudged to have breached Rule 4.3, relating to equipment usage. Tournament officials ruled that his actions warranted a two-stroke penalty, a decision that could prove costly in a tightly contested championship.
"I still don't agree with it," Lowry stated after his round. "I've seen similar situations handled differently. It's frustrating when something like this affects your scorecard."
Fans and Pundits React
The penalty has sparked heated discussions across social media, with many golf enthusiasts questioning the consistency of rules enforcement in major tournaments. Some argue that the penalty was justified, while others believe it was overly harsh.
Former professional golfers have weighed in, with several suggesting that such decisions should be reviewed in real-time with player input to avoid controversies.
What This Means for Lowry's Campaign
With the penalty applied, Lowry now faces an uphill battle to close the gap on the leaders. The 2019 Open champion had been in strong form before the incident, and this setback could impact his momentum.
As the tournament heads into its final rounds, all eyes will be on how Lowry responds to this adversity. Will he overcome the penalty and mount a charge, or will this decision haunt his Open campaign?
