One Masters patron could find themselves in very hot water after TV microphones picked up what was said as Rory McIlroy prepared to take a shot – leading some to call for a lifetime ban
There was a strange heckle when Rory McIlroy was on the 17th hole(Image: Getty)
Golf fans have called for a Masters spectator to be banned from Augusta for life after they blurted, “Give me back my son”, following Rory McIlroy’s tee shot. A dramatic third round in Georgia will be remembered for McIlroy surrendering an unprecedented lead.
The defending champion entered round three with a record six-shot advantage, yet the Northern Irishman could only manage a round of 73, having posted scores of 65 and 67 in the two previous rounds.
As well as McIlroy failing to replicate his brilliance from the opening two rounds, American Cameron Young also carded a stunning round of 65, propelling him into a share of the lead with the Holywood star.
Amid the major talking points, scores of golf fans on social media were left furious after a spectator shouted out as McIlroy teed off at the 17th hole.
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After McIlroy sent a drive down the fairway, one spectator bellowed, “Give me back my son”, in what appeared to be a nod to Mel Gibson’s blockbuster 1996 film Ransom. The outburst is one that has been heard at numerous golf events down the years.
In 2023, one fan shouted this on the 4th tee of LIV Golf’s event in London after six-time major winner Phil Mickelson drove his ball. Spectators crying out phrases such as “Give me back my son”, “mashed potato” and “get in the bunker” are a common occurrence at the Ryder Cup and across the PGA Tour, DP World and LIV Tour competitions.
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Yet at Augusta, a venue renowned for its strict code of conduct and unwavering emphasis on dignity and respect, golf fans were left outraged. One posted on social media: “That is disgusting behaviour, especially for Augusta National.”
Another fumed: “This is just totally unacceptable, what an idiot. Ban whoever said that for life,” while a further fan demanded: “Get this guy off the premises immediately.”
Across social media, it was widely reported that the spectator responsible was swiftly removed from Augusta. It has also been suggested that they may face a permanent ban from attending any future events at the prestigious course, though these claims are unconfirmed.
McIlroy did not appear to hear the fan shout(Image: Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
McIlroy has not responded to the incident and is unlikely to address it going forward. However, he did concede he remains composed about his prospects of defending his title, despite surrendering the lead, with Young sharing the lead with him on -11 heading into the final round.
He said: “I would have wanted to be in a better position going into tomorrow starting with a six-shot lead, but I still have a great chance. I’m in the final group, which is exactly where you want to be.
“I wish I had a little bit more of a cushion, but I’m going to go to the range here and try to figure it out. I’ll need to be better tomorrow. I still have a great chance but if I’m going to win tomorrow, I’m going to have to be a little bit better than I was today.”
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Coverage of The Masters gets underway on April 6 and golf fans can watch it live with Sky’s Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle. This includes 135 channels, nine from Sky Sports, plus HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu.