New details revealed after Robert MacIntyre’s Masters meltdown at Augusta

Robert MacIntyre’s early exit from The Masters has taken on added context after a report has revealed he was close to withdrawing before the tournament due to a neck injury sustained in the gym.

The 29-year-old Scot missed the cut at Augusta National for the second consecutive year after finishing seven-over-par, but his week has since come under increased scrutiny — not only for his on-course behaviour, but also for disrupted preparation leading into the season’s first major in Georgia. 

According to The Scotsman, MacIntyre’s injury concerns significantly impacted his build-up, raising fresh questions over how much the issue contributed to a difficult and controversial week at Augusta. 

MacIntyre endured a torrid opening round on Thursday, carding an eight-over-par 80 that included a quadruple-bogey nine on the par-five 15th. After finding the water not once but twice with approach shots into the green, frustration boiled over as he reacted angrily on the course.

Earlier in the round, the European Ryder Cup star had also been heard using expletives on multiple occasions as his frustrations mounted during a difficult day at Augusta National.

This particular action saw him come under fire with Augusta National Golf Club.

There was some improvement in round two as MacIntyre posted a one-under 71, but the damage had already been done. 

He ultimately missed the cut by three shots on seven-over-par, marking a second straight year without weekend golf at The Masters.

MacIntyre's played in The Masters four times now, with a best result of T12 in 2021. 

Following both rounds this week, MacIntyre snubbed the media and instead chose to break his silence on social media.

The Scot later posted an Instagram Story featuring an AI-generated image of a Masters gnome mimicking his first-round gesture after the quadruple bogey, see below. 

The Masters gnome is one of the most popular items sold in the Augusta National merchandise shop, and the post was widely interpreted as a tongue-in-cheek reference to both the club’s traditions and his own on-course reaction.

However, the decision is unlikely to have gone unnoticed by officials at Augusta National.

It has since been confirmed that MacIntyre was reprimanded by Augusta National after sticking up his middle finger on the 15th hole during round one of the 2026 Masters.

Augusta National is known for its strict standards regarding conduct, and MacIntyre’s visible frustration — combined with repeated swearing and his subsequent social media post — may yet have further repercussions.

Some observers have suggested the two-time PGA Tour winner risks damaging his standing with the club, with questions raised over whether such incidents could influence future invitations to The Masters.

While there is no doubt over MacIntyre's quality as one of Europe’s leading players, his conduct this week has reignited debate around professionalism and emotional control on golf’s biggest stages.

But back to the top of the story, and the report from The Scotsman also provides some important context to MacIntyre’s performance, suggesting a neck injury sustained in the gym significantly impacted his preparation.

The issue followed a demanding week at the Valero Texas Open, where MacIntyre played 30 holes last Sunday. He had led by four shots at one stage before ultimately finishing runner-up, one shot behind JJ Spaun.

MacIntyre was unable to play a practice round at Augusta this Tuesday, and he withdrew from Wednesday's Par-3 Contest, further underlining the extent of the disruption.

Despite arriving in strong form with two straight top-five finishes on the PGA Tour, the combination of injury concerns and on-course struggles meant MacIntyre was unable to contend at The Mastersl, missing the weekend for a second year on the spin.

The week will be remembered as one of frustration, controversy and unanswered questions for one of Europe's brightest golf talents.