Robert MacIntyre posts defiant gnome after early Masters exit

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It doesn't appear Robert MacIntyre is feeling too sorry about his crude gesture at the 2026 Masters.

After finishing the second round at Augusta National on Friday, April 10, expected to miss the cut line for the third round, MacIntyre posted on his Instagram story an AI depiction of him as one of the famed Masters gnomes, holding up a middle finger.

The picture references one of most controversial moments of the tournament so far. It was a tough opening round for the Scot, and as the day was nearing the end, his second shot on the par-5 15th green landed on the green but rolled back into the water. Clearly upset, MacIntyre raised a middle finger toward the green in frustration.

Robert MacIntyre walks off the 18th green after finishing his round during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

It was not the only instance of some NSFW moments from him, as ESPN reported he used foul language and slammed his club into the ground during the back nine. That encapsulated a rough first day; MacIntyre finished the first round with an 8-over par 80.

The viral moment was not in hand with the well-known strict rules of etiquette at Augusta, and Masters officials were obviously not happy at the display. He was "reprimanded" for his actions, according to a new report from The Scotsman newspaper based in MacIntyre's native Scotland.

MacIntyre also didn't speak with reporters after signing his scorecard.

During Masters week at Augusta National, tradition shows up in all forms, from green jackets to the small details patrons carry with them around the grounds.

These images capture one of the tournament’s quieter traditions, as Masters gnomes pop up throughout Augusta National and add a playful note to one of golf’s most serious stages.

Above, a patron carries a Masters gnome at Augusta National Golf Club during the 2026 Masters Tournament on April 6, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

A Masters gnome rides along as patrons take in the grounds during tournament week at Augusta National.

One of the quieter traditions of the Masters appears, carried casually through the grounds by a patron.

A patron brings a touch of whimsy to Augusta National with a Masters gnome in hand.

Detail view of the Masters gnome during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

A Masters Gnome during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Detail view of the Masters gnomes during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

Detail view of the Masters gnomes during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

A detailed view of a boxed gnome during the third round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 04, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.

A detailed view of a boxed gnome during the third round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 04, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.

1 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

During Masters week at Augusta National, tradition shows up in all forms, from green jackets to the small details patrons carry with them around the grounds.

These images capture one of the tournament’s quieter traditions, as Masters gnomes pop up throughout Augusta National and add a playful note to one of golf’s most serious stages.

Above, a patron carries a Masters gnome at Augusta National Golf Club during the 2026 Masters Tournament on April 6, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

1 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

During Masters week at Augusta National, tradition shows up in all forms, from green jackets to the small details patrons carry with them around the grounds.

These images capture one of the tournament’s quieter traditions, as Masters gnomes pop up throughout Augusta National and add a playful note to one of golf’s most serious stages.

Above, a patron carries a Masters gnome at Augusta National Golf Club during the 2026 Masters Tournament on April 6, 2026, in Augusta, Georgia.

2 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

A Masters gnome rides along as patrons take in the grounds during tournament week at Augusta National.

3 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

One of the quieter traditions of the Masters appears, carried casually through the grounds by a patron.

4 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

A patron brings a touch of whimsy to Augusta National with a Masters gnome in hand.

5 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

Detail view of the Masters gnome during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

6 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

A Masters Gnome during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

7 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

Detail view of the Masters gnomes during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

8 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

Detail view of the Masters gnomes during the final round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.

9 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

A detailed view of a boxed gnome during the third round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 04, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.

10 / 10

See photos of the Masters gnome tradition at Augusta National

A detailed view of a boxed gnome during the third round of the Augusta National Women's Amateur at Augusta National Golf Club on April 04, 2026 in Augusta, Georgia.

Day 2 wasn't much better, as MacIntyre started the round with a double bogey on the par-4 1st hole. He did recover to notch five birdies in the round, and he ended it 7-over par. With the projected cut line at 4-over-par, it sealed an end for MacIntyre, and it's clear he is still frustrated from how his weekend went, the second consecutive year he will miss the cut. He again didn't speak with media after the second round.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Robert MacIntyre posts gnome showing middle finger after Masters exit