Robert MacIntyre risks new Masters punishment with middle finger social media post
Robert MacIntyre may have landed himself in further trouble with Masters officials after he posted a mocked-up picture on social media of a gnome.
The 29-year-old, from Scotland, produced one of his worst rounds of the year on Thursday afternoon, ending his first 18 holes with a score of +8.
After a slow start to proceedings, Macintyre plummeted down the leaderboard in the final hour having recorded a quadruple-bogey nine on the 15th.
MacIntyre found the water with his first approach into the pond guarding the front of the green, and moments later, he made a brief middle finger gesture.
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The Scot also dumped his third shot into the water.
As well as that incident, a frustrated MacIntyre was seen slamming his clubs into the fairway during his round. He was also caught swearing on the back nine, with his remarks being picked up by the TV cameras.
In fact, Sky Sports commentators were forced to apologise after he said, "Jesus, f---” following a wayward shot on the par-3 12th.
Augusta National are notoriously strict when it comes to etiquette and behaviour, so it came as no surprise when it emerged that MacIntyre had been reprimanded by officials over bad language and a one-fingered gesture.
A report from The Scotsman claimed he was reminded of the tournament's code of conduct.
However, MacIntyre has appeared to ignore that warning. Shortly after shooting a one-under-par 71 on Friday, a score that meant he fell short of the four-over-par cutline, the world number eight took to Instagram.
Here, he posted a picture of himself as one of the famous Augusta gnomes, with the cartoon character extending his middle finger as MacIntyre did on the 15th hole.
As mentioned by the BBC, this latest incident could land him in more trouble with officials.
For those unaware, a 13-and-a-half-inch-tall gnome figurine has become one of the most sought-after pieces of merchandise at Augusta, with the novelty item being placed on resale sites at almost 10 times its actual value ($50).
In fact, an antiques shop in Augusta was selling a 2019 gnome for $3,000, according to Town and Country magazine.
The future of the gnome has become a hot topic of debate, with rumours suggesting it could be their last year on the shelves.
Asked about the Masters gnome this week, Augusta chairman Fred Ridley said: "Number one: the question is not trivial. 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."
Jack Kenmare