Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre could be facing disciplinary action at the Masters after an on-course outburst on the 15th hole left officials and spectators concerned. The 29-year-old was photographed making an obscene gesture during a nine on the par-five 15th, finishing the day with an eight-over-par 80 and sliding toward the bottom of the leaderboard.
The trouble began when MacIntyre’s approach found the pond guarding the front of the green. After taking a penalty drop his next shot again splashed into the water; following a second drop he overshot and sent his ball over the green. He reacted visibly after the sequence and later slammed his club into the turf on the 17th. MacIntyre declined to speak to the media after his round.
He also uttered expletives after a slightly wayward tee shot on the par-three 12th and again after putting from off the green on the par-five 13th, although he managed pars on both holes. The Masters is known for strict standards of conduct, and organisers could decide to take further action.
MacIntyre had been viewed as a potential contender coming into the week after a fourth-place finish at the Players Championship and a near-miss at last week’s Texas Open, where he led after the third round before JJ Spaun overtook him to finish runner-up.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy and American Sam Burns shared the first-round lead at five-under-par 67.
