Masters 2026: Robert MacIntyre flips off Augusta green in frustration

• Robert MacIntyre showed frustration during the first round of the 2026 Masters.
• The golfer scored a 9 on the par-5 15th hole after hitting two balls into the water.
• MacIntyre finished his round with an 8-over 80, putting him outside the projected cut line.
• He declined to speak with reporters following his difficult day at Augusta National.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Augusta National is known to test even the greatest of golfers, often pushing those beyond the limits of frustrations they've ever experienced.

For Robert MacIntyre, his breaking point came late Thursday.

The Scot was 1 under through 4 holes in the 2026 Masters before trouble mounted. Bogeys on 5 and 6. A double on the ninth. But it wasn't over. His second shot on the par-5 15th green landed on the putting surface but rolled back into the water, and MacIntyre raised a middle finger toward the green in frustration. After a drop, he hit another ball in the water. His sixth shot went over the green, and he eventually put a 9 on the card.

MacIntyre declined to speak with reporters after signing his scorecard. His 8-over 80 puts him five shots outside the projected cut line to begin Friday's second round. Microphones also caught MacIntyre swearing on the 12th and 13th holes, and he slammed his clubs on the 17th, his final bogey of the day.

MacIntyre has been playing well, as he was in the mix right until the end at the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio last week and even though he ultimately couldn't catch J.J. Spaun after giving up a sizable lead, he still had momentum heading to Augusta.

"I honestly don't know what else to say other than I'm disappointed," he said after losing in San Antonio. "I gave it my best shot. I put the new driver in play this week. I trusted everything that I've got, especially coming down that stretch. I was proud of the way I played. Disappointed with some of the bogeys. Good execution, a couple of shots. I'm right there; I don't need to worry about things. I just need to rinse and repeat again, going into next week."

So much for rinsing and repeating. Frustration can get the best of golfers and at the Masters, it's broadcast to the world. MacIntyre's actions were aired for everyone to see.