Robert MacIntyre Faces Disciplinary Action After Angry Masters Gesture

Scottish golfer Robert MacIntyre faces potential disciplinary action from Masters organizers after a series of outbursts during the first round of the tournament on April 10, 2026. The 29-year-old left-hander directed a middle finger toward the 15th green following a disastrous sequence of shots that resulted in a quadruple-bogey nine.

The incident occurred after MacIntyre hit his approach shot into the pond guarding the front of the par-5 15th hole. After taking a penalty drop, he hit his next shot into the water again. Following a second drop, his ball flew through the back of the green.

Augusta National is known for maintaining strict rules regarding player conduct, and officials are expected to take a dim view of the gesture. MacIntyre did not speak to the media after completing his round.

A Pattern of Frustration

The gesture at the 15th hole was not the only instance of MacIntyre losing his composure during the opening day. He also swore on the 12th hole after a slightly wayward tee shot and again on the 13th hole after hitting a putt off the green, though he managed to record pars on both of those holes.

Further frustration boiled over at the 17th hole, where MacIntyre slammed his club into the ground after his second shot.

These reactions mirrored a broader struggle with the course conditions. The greens at Augusta National were described as firm, breezy, and fast, leading to significant difficulties for several players. Some golfers experienced approach shots ricocheting off the greens, while others putted right off the surfaces due to the extreme speed.

Tournament Performance and Context

MacIntyre entered the tournament as a potential contender after strong recent performances. He finished fourth at the Players Championship and led after the third round of the Texas Open the previous week, where he eventually finished as the runner-up to JJ Spaun.

Despite those expectations, MacIntyre struggled throughout the first round. After an outward nine of 39, the quadruple bogey on the 15th contributed to a final score of 80, leaving him eight-over par and unlikely to make the cut.

Other players also expressed displeasure with the challenging conditions. Tyrrell Hatton was observed making a gesture after his approach shot at the seventh hole hit the flagstick and spun into a bunker.

Stuff can happen quick around this place, and it’s really hard.

Scottie Scheffler

Scheffler, a two-time champion, managed a 2-under 70 while playing in the second-to-last group of the day.

Leaderboard Standings

While MacIntyre and others struggled with the baked greens and dry conditions of northern Georgia, some players found more success earlier in the day when the course was softer.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy and American Sam Burns both posted five-under-par 67s to lead the Masters after the first round. McIlroy noted that the firmness of the greens required a more tactical approach to distance control and minimizing mistakes.