The latest golf news sees two-time Masters winner Rory McIlroy’s actions discussed while two stars are facing the consequences for their actions at Augusta National
12:05, 16 Apr 2026Updated 12:07, 16 Apr 2026
Rory McIlroy has come in for criticism from some golf fans(Image: Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
The fallout from Rory McIlroy’s astonishing win at the Masters earlier last weekend continues. McIlroy became just the fourth player to successfully defend the title on Sunday, joining an elite group consisting of Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods.
The victory has thrust the 36-year-old into the conversation of just who is the greatest golfer of all time. However, there has been some contention about a so-called advantage the Northern Irish superstar is said to have had ahead of the Masters.
Elsewhere, a previous winner of the major has been compelled to issue a grovelling apology for his behaviour at Augusta National. A Scottish star has also been warned about his conduct after his display in Georgia.
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Rory McIlroy’s conduct
McIlroy has been praised for his professional conduct at the Masters despite criticism that he had an unfair advantage. The six-time major winner came under fire from sections of golf fans after the 36-year-old admitted to playing the course in the weeks prior to the major.
Golfers who have earned their place in the Masters field are given limited chances to play practice rounds at Augusta National. However, previous Masters winners receive a lifetime invitation, which allows easier access, even when the club closes to all members.
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McIlroy maximised that privilege by withdrawing from three tournaments in the run-up, dedicating his time to practising at Augusta. Several online golf fans took issue with this, with some calling for the existing rules to be changed.
When asked about the situation, McIlroy said: “I joked last week and going into this week, this place feels like my home course. I haven’t played anywhere else in the last two or three weeks really.”
McIlroy won the Masters once again on Sunday(Image: Getty Images)
While some fans have been disgruntled at McIlroy’s supposed advantage heading into the Masters, his conduct has been defended by golf pundit Brandel Chamblee, who was full of admiration for McIlroy’s behaviour.
He wrote on X: “Every single professional player who qualified for the Masters could go early and play as many practice rounds as they wish. Just as so many others, including Jack Nicklaus, have done in the past. The only advantage Rory had over the field was his considerable skill.
“As far as I could tell, Rory did it all in the run-up to the Masters. He made himself available for documentaries, was at the Augusta National Women’s Amateur and the Drive Chip and Putt, played with his father at AN, played in the Par Three and did every interview and handled them all with class.
“And then took us all on another incredible ride and afterwards, gave an emotional and beautiful speech. There is no better stage than Augusta National and there is no better theatre than Rory. I’m not sure golf has ever had a more sustained run of great players winning majors, with the average world rank of the last 56 major winners better than 15th in the world. Looking forward to the rest of the major season.”
Sergio Garcia’s apology
Spanish golf star Garcia was forced to issue an apology for his etiquette at the Masters. There have been calls for Garcia, who won the Green Jacket back in 2017, to be banned from Augusta after he damaged the tee-box on the second hole during the fourth round when he angrily reacted to a wayward drive.
The veteran slammed the ground with his driver before snapping it in two by hurling a plastic drinks crate. Geoff Yang, who was recently appointed chairman of the competition’s committee, then intervened and handed him a code of conduct warning, with Garcia becoming the first player to ever receive one in the tournament.
Sergio Garcia broke his driver just two holes into the final round at the Masters(Image: Augusta National)
In a statement posted on X, Garcia wrote: “I want to apologise for my actions on Sunday at the Masters tournament. I respect and value everything that the Masters and Augusta National Golf Club is to Golf.
“I regret the way I acted and it has no place in our game. It doesn’t reflect the respect and appreciation I have for the Masters, the patrons, tournament officials and golf fans around the world.”
Robert MacIntyre handed Masters warning
Scottish pro MacIntyre has been warned that officials at Augusta National could revoke his Masters invite in 2027 as a result of his behaviour at this year’s major. The 29-year-old was issued a code of conduct reminder as he missed the cut and became visibly frustrated.
He was also spotted giving the middle finger to the 15th green in a bold display of petulance. McIlroy’s former agent, Chubby Chandler, believes Mcintyre’s behaviour could have irked the powerbrokers at the Masters to the point they’re willing to ban him from the course.
“Bob is going through what Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke went through when they suddenly got thrust into a limelight where they’ve got a chance to win the Masters or a major,” Chandler said.
“I remember when The Open was at Birkdale in 2006, Lee was the favourite for the Open. I remember thinking, ‘How ridiculous is that?’ He went to his major now, instead of thinking, ‘Good, we could finish high up.’ Now it’s, ‘I’ve got a chance to win this.’
Robert MacIntyre endured a frustrating two days at the Masters(Image: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“He’ll need to win every week to cover the fines he should be getting. Augusta could fine him five grand or a hundred grand. You wouldn’t know. But he’ll have been taken to one side and somebody will have given him some very stern words, which are better than any fine.
“It might have gone something like, ‘Listen, young Mr. MacIntyre, if you behave like that again, you’ll find your invitation won’t be turning up next year.’
“Because everybody gets invited. Even though you qualify to play, everybody gets invited. He’s just got to stop that. It’s ugly, isn’t it? He could have his invitation to next year’s Masters void because they’ve been known to do that before.”
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