Robert MacIntyre is a rising star and popular among golf fans around the world. He may not be that popular among the Augusta National officials, however, after one bad behavior rash on the course during the opening round.
On Thursday, cameras caught MacIntyre making an embarrassing gesture while playing his first round. The Masters maintains strict standards for behavior at Augusta, both for players and non-players (as a major champion revealed on Tuesday). That meant MacIntyre was risking disciplinary action.
According to a report from ScotsmanMacIntyre was reprimanded by the club for his actions on Thursday during the Masters.
Augusta National did not immediately respond to GOLF.com’s inquiry about the report, but does not typically comment on club matters.
Here’s what you need to know.
Robert MacIntyre rolls from Augusta hole, reportedly ‘scolded’
MacIntyre is a two-time PGA Tour champion and is currently ranked No. 8 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
In 2024, he fell in love with golf fans opening up about his struggles adjusting to life in the United States after moving there from Scotland to pursue his pro career.
Soon after, MacIntyre captured his first PGA Tour victory at the RBC Canadian Open. He wasn’t done. The following month, MacIntyre returned home for the Genesis Scottish Open and put together an emotional victory.
;)
This ‘lewd’ gesture of the Master was unfortunate, but also forgivable
Michael Bamberger
On Thursday, MacIntyre’s 2026 Masters campaign got off to a rocky start. He came close with early bogeys, then closed out the front nine with a double bogey on the 9th hole.
Things got worse on the back nine and MacIntyre started to lose his composure. Then on the par-5 15th, disaster struck.
He went for the green in 2, but, as many players did on Thursdayhe came up short and his ball went into the water. After the penalty kick, he tried to reach the touchline again. He did, but his ball then rolled back into the pond.
His third attempt went over the green but was dry. Eventually, MacIntyre signed for a tournament-killing quadruple-bogey 9.
After one of his water shots at 15, MacIntyre was caught throwing his middle finger up toward the green. That’s a big no-no at Augusta National.
He was also seen bumping his ball on his way to a bogey two holes later at 17 and heard boos on several occasions. In the end, MacIntyre left the course with an eight-over 80 on Day 1.
Behavior like MacIntyre’s display on Thursday sometimes leads to disciplinary action by Masters officials, but Scotsman reported that only MacIntye was “scolded” by the club after his round.
MacIntyre left early on Friday for his second round, and it was done at double speed in 1 to drop to 10 over with the Masters cut close.
