While it's been a disappointing day for Irish sport as a whole, Shane Lowry's incredible sportsmanship has been one of the highlights - as the Offaly man remains very much in contention at the US Open.
With the misery continuing for Rory McIlroy after failing to make the cut. The Northern Irishman's round of 71 wasn't enough to undo his disastrous opening round.
But for Lowry, not only does he sit in joint third position and two shots off the lead - it could have been even better for the 29-year-old had he not called a penalty on himself on the 16th hole.
As Lowry stood over the ball on the 16th at the Oakmount Country Club, the ball moved as he addressed it, and an incredibly honest Offaly man informed officials about the incident - and subsequently was handed a penalty.
The officials PGA rule states the following:
If a player’s ball in play moves after he has addressed it (other than as a result of a stroke), the player is deemed to have moved the ball and incurs a penalty of one stroke.
Lowry recovered from the setback to finish strong with a round of 70, to sit just two shots off the outright leader, Dustin Johnson.
On the 16th, after calling a penalty on himself, he carded a bogey.
It's fair to say that Lowry earned a few fans for his honesty.
Shane Lowry called a penalty shot on himself on 16. Ball moved at address as he stood over 1st putt. Fist pump as he sa ed a good bogey.
— Brian Keogh (@IrishGolfDesk) June 18, 2016
Great to see @shanelowry at top of leaderboard @usopen having called a penalty on himself. Integrity to the fore - best wishes 3rd round
— tullamoregolfclub (@TullamoreGC) June 18, 2016
