The USGA has released an official statement confirming that a spectator did not tamper with Rory McIlroy's ball during the first round of the US Open on Thursday. The Northern Irishman's opening day at Shinnecock Hills was mired in controversy after claims that a fan picked up his ball on the fourth hole.
As the Career Grand Slam winner struck the ball from dense rough towards the green, it bounced off a cart path and rolled into a spectator zone. A female spectator then appeared to approach the ball and reach for it, which would have been a violation of professional regulations. Onlookers were heard shouting, "No," in the vicinity. However, a statement from the USGA subsequently confirmed that McIlroy's ball remained untouched, dispelling any controversy surrounding the 37-year-old's opening round of 69.
USGA Statement
The statement read: "Right after McIlroy's second shot on the 4th hole came to rest, it appeared on the broadcast that a fan was about to pick it up when the camera moved away. However, based on the testimony of fans and a review of the available video, his ball was not lifted. The fan stopped just before picking it up and McIlroy played the ball as it lay."
Social Media Reactions
Despite no breach occurring, numerous social media users demanded sanctions for the spectator who hurriedly moved towards McIlroy's ball. One wrote: "Kick her out," while another added: "Is that a stupid fan or fan doing on purpose? It's hard to imagine going to golf tournament and picking up balls. Always some people who don't belong, but I wonder."
A third said: "You are at a US Open and a golf ball lands next to you. The presumption is that you treat it like it is radioactive." Meanwhile, a fourth questioned: "How can you be at the US Open and not know to never touch the ball?" while a fifth wondered: "Who goes to the US Open and doesn't know to not pick up a golf ball."
McIlroy's Performance
McIlroy concluded one under par following his opening day at the US Open, entering Friday tied for ninth alongside Ludvig Aberg, Max Greyserman, Brian Harman, Ben James, Bryson DeChambeau, Corey Conners, Ben Kohles, and Angel Hidalgo. Reflecting on his opening round, McIlroy told the media: "With the conditions today, anything under par or anything around even par is a good score. It was a day to really keep yourself in the tournament and not shoot yourself out of it, which is exactly what I did eight years ago here [opening-round 80].
"Went out with the mindset that pars were going to be good and if you could pick up a couple of birdies here and there, that's always a bonus. Really just minimising the mistakes and I did that for the most part today. I didn't feel like I hit two bad iron shots on the last two holes (but) I put myself in pretty difficult spots and wasn't able to get it up and down."
Wyndham Clark maintains the outright lead at Shinnecock Hills heading into Friday's action at six under par.
