Robert MacIntyre faces Masters reprimand after middle finger gesture
Robert MacIntyre is facing a reprimand at the Masters after raising his middle finger and swearing during a disastrous opening round of eight over par at Augusta National.
The Scot endured a nightmare on the par-five 15th hole, finding the water twice on his way to a devastating quadruple-bogey nine.
Frustration visibly boiled over for the 29-year-old, who was caught on camera making the offensive gesture towards the green after his initial approach landed in the penalty area.
Television broadcasts also captured him slamming his clubs into the fairway and shouting explicit language, which prompted an immediate on-air apology from commentators.
Clash with Augusta traditions
The prestigious host venue is globally renowned for enforcing a strict code of conduct regarding both player etiquette and patron decorum.
As a result, the frustrated golfer is expected to receive an official warning prior to his second round on Friday, although he may avoid a formal financial penalty.
His dramatic opening-day collapse has severely damaged his chances of making the cut and left him 13 shots adrift of early tournament leaders Sam Burns and Rory McIlroy.
Following the difficult round, a clearly dejected MacIntyre departed the club premises without fulfilling any media obligations to waiting reporters.
McIlroy makes confident start
In stark contrast to his fellow competitor, defending champion McIlroy enjoyed a superb beginning to his campaign for back-to-back tournament victories.
The Northern Irishman managed his early tension effectively, leaning on nearly two decades of course knowledge to navigate the iconic Georgia layout.
I thought I would feel different but then I put my tee in the ground and my ball on the tee on the first hole and I felt the same nerves I always feel.
Rory McIlroy
The tournament leader recovered impressively from early errant tee shots, maintaining a fluid swing and aggressive mindset throughout his front nine.
Wherever I hit it on this course I’ve seen it all over the past 18 years so I always think I can figure it out, get to the front of the green and find a par.
Rory McIlroy
