Lowry had to contend with a virus, further hampering his comeback attempts, though the Irishman offered no excuses

Whether he won or tied for 35th, Shane Lowry's return to Royal Portrush six years after his Open championship win promised to be a special one. It has been anything but for the Irishman this week. While his week did start with a one-under 70,

Shane Lowry won The Open the last time it was at Royal Portrush, but a controversy over his ball moving on a practice swing might make his return for the 2025 British Open one to forget.

Five of the last six Open Championship winners have had opening odds of +2000 or longer, including two of the past five victors having odds of +8000 or longer, in the major that has produced some of the most surprising winners in recent years.

Lowry's ball moved after a practice swing, but did he cause the movement? That's the question tournament officials will have to answer.

Shane Lowry won the 2019 Open Championship at Royal Portrush, but is not having as good of a time in 2025.