Shane Lowry ‘felt like throwing up all over the place’ after family hit by sickness bug amid The Open ball controversy

SHANE LOWRY felt sick after accepting a brutal two-stroke penalty – then wanted to throw up for his entire third round.

Lowry, 38, was docked two shots on Friday night when TV footage appeared to show his ball move fractionally after a practice swing from the 12th hole rough.

Shane Lowry felt sick throughout his round on SaturdaySportsfile

He admitted his whole family had come down with the bugGetty

He was called in by R&A officials and accepted his painful punishment to avoid being branded a cheat – despite having no idea of the possible breach of the rules until the 15th.

It meant Lowry signed for a round of one-over 72 instead of one-under 70 and started his Saturday round at even par.

The 2019 Open champion at Portrush carded a three-over 74 to take himself out of contention for today’s final round.

But then he revealed he had been feeling unwell after a bug hit his wife and daughters.

Lowry said: “I haven’t eaten today yet. I tried to get a protein drink down me after eight holes, and I felt like throwing up all over the place. It’s been a tough day and I had a bad finish.

“It was hard to take. Then I woke up at 2.30am with cramps in my stomach. I know we have it in the house.

“Ivy had a couple of days ago. Wendy had it yesterday. Me and Iris have it today. It will be gone by the holidays next week so at least that’s a plus.

“Honestly, every bathroom I went in and tried to throw up, I couldn’t. It’s just such a bad feeling. It’s just really bad timing obviously.”

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Lowry initially admitted on Friday night he was “very disappointed” by the harsh ruling but refused to talk more about it yesterday, except to say he had been backed by his fellow pros.

He added: “Quite supportive, I would say, from the other players. They all feel bad for me that two shots is a lot to give up. I don’t really have much else to say.”

Playing partner Rahm was one of those to publicly voice his support for Lowry – and called for a change in the strict golf laws and severe penalty.

The Spaniard added: “You’re in a no-win situation because if you say I didn’t see it, you always run the risk of being called something you don’t want to be called.

“If you take it on the safe side, you’re taking a two-shot penalty. It’s a tough spot to be in. It’s tricky.

“Something needs to be changed for sure, I just don’t know exactly how they could change it.”

USA NetworkThe moving ball was barely visible on TV[/caption]