US Open issue statement after controversial Rory McIlroy fan incident
US Open officials have released a statement addressing rumours that a fan had picked up Rory McIlroy’s ball during the first round.
On Thursday the 2026 US Open teed off as some of the biggest names in golf completed their first rounds at Shinnecock Hills in some challenging conditions.
As it stands, American players make up the majority of the top of the leaderboard, with Wyndham Clark and Dustin Johnson occupying the top spots at six-under-par and four-under-par respectively.
World number one Scottie Scheffler had a difficult opening round at the major, finishing two over, placing him tied 46th alongside 24 other players.
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The ever-popular Bryson DeChambeau is tied 16th having finished on par, while 2026 Masters Winner McIlroy is tied 9th and one-under par after a promising first round.
However, McIlroy's start to the US Open didn't go off without any issues, as his outing on the 4th hole - his 13th of the day - a bizarre moment caused a major stir online.
READ MORE: Golfer hits '1 in 67 million' shot that only one pro player managed last year
After hitting his ball into the rough with his approach shot, the Northern Irishman hit the ball even further from the green with his second shot, with the ball bouncing on tarmac used to walk around the course and over the heads of spectators.
Once the ball landed on a small patch of grass, video footage appeared to show that a female fan bending over to pick the ball up, which is against all rules of professional golf.
Other spectators could be heard shouting 'NO' as she leaned over but the cameras cut away before it could be seen for sure if she had touched the ball.
In the fescue off the tee and then...
— U.S. Open (@usopengolf) June 18, 2026
Rory's in trouble on 4. pic.twitter.com/iSWk6KKJtL
US Open release statement after Rory McIlroy fan appears to lift golf ball
Therefore, the US Open was forced to review all available footage and provide further clarification about the incident, confirming that the ball had not been touched by the fan.
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.”
Rory McIlroy gives verdict on opening round at US Open
Despite the fact that he finished his round two straight bogeys, McIlroy should be happy enough with a round that saw him record three birdies and an eagle to shoot 69 in the difficult condirtions.
And when asked about his round 2011 US Open champion admitted that finishing in a position that allows him to push on when conditions improve is absolutely fine by him.
"With the conditions today, anything under par or anything around even par is a good score," McIlroy said.
"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.”
McIlroy will tee off for his second round at the US Open at 18:58 alongside Ludvig Åberg and close friend Tommy Fleetwood.
Topics: Golf, US Open, Rory Mcilroy
Ben McCrum