Rory McIlroy receives two-shot penalty for improving lie at Abu Dhabi Championship

Officials rule on club contact

McIlroy admitted that video footage of the incident did not look very good. He stated he was trying to get a feel for the lie in a sandy divot. Officials determined he pressed his club on the grass behind the ball instead of grounding it lightly.

Score changes after penalty

The infraction changed his score of six into an eight at the par-four hole. This adjustment meant he finished the round with a two-under 70 total. Francesco Laporta held the lead with a bogey-free round of 62.

McIlroy accepts the decision

The golfer spent time in the scorer's hut discussing the incident with officials before his round ended. He expressed willingness to take the penalty and move on to the next day. McIlroy noted he does not want people to think he got away with something.