Robert MacIntyre, who turned professional in 2017, has ascended to eighth in the world golf rankings.
Robert MacIntyre’s performance at the Masters may have fallen short of expectations, but a subsequent social media post could invite further scrutiny from tournament officials.
The 29-year-old Scottish golfer failed to advance past the halfway cut after carding rounds of 80 and 71, leaving him at seven over par for the tournament held in Augusta.
Following his exit, MacIntyre, who reportedly declined media interviews, shared an image on his Instagram account depicting a gnome resembling himself, making an extended middle-finger gesture.
The post appeared to be a dual reference to MacIntyre’s conduct during the tournament and an ongoing conversation surrounding a decade-long Masters tradition.
Television cameras had previously captured the world number eight directing a middle-finger gesture toward the 15th green during Thursday’s opening round.
This occurred after his approach shot landed in the water hazard guarding the green, ultimately leading to a quadruple-bogey nine on the par-five hole.
According to the Press Association, Augusta National officials reprimanded the Ryder Cup winner for the gesture.
The Masters is renowned for its stringent rules and code of conduct for both players and spectators, who are traditionally referred to as patrons.
Earlier on Thursday, MacIntyre was also heard using expletives following a slightly errant tee shot on the 12th hole, and again after a putt rolled off the green on the 13th.
The gnome element of his Instagram post alluded to a discussion regarding the future of a Masters gnome,, external introduced to the tournament gift shop a decade ago.
These gnomes, released in limited quantities, have become highly sought-after collectibles in the realm of sports merchandise.
Rumors had circulated suggesting the novelty item – which commands prices ten times its original £37 ($50) value on resale platforms – faced an uncertain future.
When questioned about the fate of the Masters gnome, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley offered a cryptic response.
“Number one: The question is not trivial,” Ridley stated on Wednesday.
“Number two: I’ve been asking that question for several years and they won’t tell me the answer, so I can’t help you.”