“I just do what I want” – Bob MacIntyre breaks silence after Masters meltdown

Bob MacIntyre has spoken publicly for the first time since his controversial exit from The Masters, offering a candid but largely unapologetic response following a difficult week at Augusta National.

The 29-year-old addressed the incident after opening with a five-under-par 66 at the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links on Thursday, where he spoke to Sky Sports Golf's Nick Dougherty.

Sweden's Ludvig Aberg led the signature event after 18 holes.

MacIntyre had declined media duties throughout The Masters last week after missing the cut for the second consecutive year, finishing seven-over-par. 

However, it was not just his scoreline that drew attention.

His tournament unravelled during an opening-round 80, which included a quadruple-bogey nine on the par-five 15th. 

After twice finding water with his approach, MacIntyre reacted angrily, making an obscene gesture (see below) towards the hazard in a moment captured on broadcast.

MacIntyre's frustrations had already been evident earlier in the round, with audible expletives as his challenge slipped away.

While he recovered slightly with a second-round 71, it was not enough to make the weekend, extending his run of missed cuts at Augusta.

Following his early exit, MacIntyre again avoided reporters and instead posted on social media — sharing an AI-generated image of a Masters gnome mimicking his on-course gesture (see below). 

The post, widely seen as tongue-in-cheek, nevertheless drew further scrutiny given Augusta National’s well-known emphasis on tradition and player conduct.

It has since been confirmed that MacIntyre was reprimanded by club officials for his actions during the opening round.

An update has also since emerged that the two-time PGA Tour winner sustained a neck injury on the eve of The Masters.

The episode has sparked renewed debate around professionalism and emotional control, particularly for a player regarded as one of Europe’s leading talents.

Some observers have even questioned whether repeated incidents could impact his long-term standing with Augusta National, although no further action has been announced.

Speaking after his strong start at Harbour Town on Thursday, MacIntyre acknowledged his behaviour was not ideal — but stopped short of expressing full regret.

“I know what I’ve done isn’t the best way of me doing things,” he told Sky Sports Golf's Dougherty.

“I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’m trying my best to control my emotions. I work with someone back home and there's a lot going on. I’m disappointed with that.”

However, he made it clear he is not overly concerned by external criticism as he goes in search of a hat-trick of PGA Tour titles this weekend. 

“I’m very good at putting things behind me,” continued MacIntyre.

“Things that get said elsewhere doesn’t phase me.

“I’ve got my family, friends and team — they are the ones I listen to and if I’ve done something wrong, they’ll tell me.

“That's how I go about life. I just do what I want, how we want, not just personally, but with my family and friends and we go about our business the way we want to do it. 

“Some people like it, some people don’t, but at the end of the day it’s a job and I try to perform the best I can.”