Bob MacIntyre has been warned that he could lose his invitation to next year's Masters after a series of outbursts at Augusta National. The 29-year-old Scot missed the cut following a disappointing eight-over-par opening round, during which he swore after shots on the 12th and 13th holes and directed a middle finger towards the hole after a quadruple bogey on the 15th. Augusta officials reportedly reprimanded him for his conduct.
In response, MacIntyre posted on social media a mocked-up image of himself as a Masters gnome—a coveted collectable at the tournament—with an extended middle finger. The post appeared to mock the controversy surrounding his behaviour. The Masters is known for its strict code of conduct for both players and spectators.
Former golf agent Andrew 'Chubby' Chandler commented on the situation, suggesting MacIntyre's invitation could be withdrawn. 'It might have gone something like, “Listen, young Mr. MacIntyre, if you behave like that again, you’ll find your invitation won’t be turning up next year,”' Chandler told Action Network. He added that MacIntyre has been under pressure since rising to world No. 12.
MacIntyre declined to speak to the media during the Masters, but reports indicate he nearly withdrew from the event due to a neck injury sustained in the gym earlier in the week. He skipped a practice round and pulled out of the Par Three Contest. He is set to return at the RBC Heritage in South Carolina, where the top prize is £2.9 million.
