Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre may face disciplinary action at the Masters after he flashed a middle finger at the 15th green during a quadruple-bogey hole. The 29-year-old fell toward the bottom of the leaderboard after a nine on the par-five, finishing with an eight-over-par 80.
MacIntyre reacted after his approach landed in the pond guarding the front of the green. Following a penalty drop his next shot again found the water; after a second drop he then flew his ball over the green. He also reacted angrily on the 17th, slamming his club into the ground, and declined to speak to the media after his round.
He swore after a slightly wayward tee shot on the par-three 12th and again after hitting a putt off the green on the par-five 13th, though he managed pars on both holes. Masters organisers are known for strict standards and MacIntyre could face further consequences.
Observers had earmarked him as a potential contender after a fourth-place finish at the Players Championship and after leading following the third round at last week’s Texas Open before being overtaken by JJ Spaun to finish runner-up.
Defending champion Rory McIlroy and American Sam Burns shared the first-round lead on five-under-par 67.
