Photo credit: Getty Images. Seven hours ago. Robert MacIntyre may not have performed well at the Masters, but he’s sparked another incident that could draw official scrutiny. The 29-year-old Scottish golfer missed the halfway cut with scores of 80 and 71, finishing seven over par before leaving Augusta. Soon after, skipping media interviews, he shared an Instagram photo of a gnome looking like him flipping the middle finger. This post cleverly alluded to his on-course antics during the event and a lingering controversy about a 10-year-old Masters tradition. Ranked world number eight, MacIntyre was captured on TV making a middle-finger gesture toward the 15th green on Thursday’s first round, following an approach shot into the pond that led to a quadruple-bogey nine on the par-five. The Press Association noted that the Ryder Cup star received a reprimand from Augusta National officials. Masters officials enforce rigorous rules and conduct standards for players and spectators—called patrons. That Thursday, he also cursed after a errant tee shot on the 12th and again after a putt that missed the green on the 13th. The gnome in his post tied into speculation about the future of the Masters gnome, launched a decade ago in the tournament shop. Released in limited quantities, these figurines have become highly coveted sports collectibles. Rumors suggested the item—reselling online for 10 times its £37 ($50) price—might be discontinued. When pressed on the gnome’s prospects, Augusta chairman Fred Ridley gave a cryptic reply. “First, the question isn’t trivial,” he said Wednesday. “Second, I’ve asked for years, and they won’t tell me, so I can’t help.” Associated subjects. Golf
