The USGA has issued an official statement confirming that Rory McIlroy’s golf ball was not interfered with by a spectator during the opening round of the US Open, putting an end to controversy that erupted after footage appeared to show a fan reaching towards his ball on the fourth hole.
The incident occurred at Shinnecock Hills on Thursday as McIlroy’s second shot bounced off a cart path and into a spectator area near the fourth green. A female fan was seen approaching the ball, prompting nearby crowd members to be heard shouting “No,” as concern grew that she may have picked it up — which would have constituted a clear breach of the rules of golf.
In a statement, the USGA addressed the controversy directly. “Right after McIlroy’s second shot on the 4th hole came to rest, it appeared on the broadcast that a fan was about to pick it up when the camera moved away,” the governing body said. “However, based on the testimony of fans and a review of the available video, his ball was not lifted. The fan stopped just before picking it up and McIlroy played the ball as it lay.”
Despite the confirmation that no infraction had occurred, the incident still provoked a strong reaction on social media, with several users calling for the spectator to be removed from the tournament. “Kick her out,” one wrote. Another questioned the fan’s awareness of basic golf etiquette: “Is that a stupid fan or fan doing on purpose? It’s hard to imagine going to a golf tournament and picking up balls. Always some people who don’t belong, but I wonder.” A third commented: “You are at a US Open and a golf ball lands next to you. The presumption is that you treat it like it is radioactive,” while another simply asked: “How can you be at the US Open and not know to never touch the ball?”
With the controversy resolved, McIlroy’s opening round score of 69 stands unaffected, allowing attention to return to his pursuit of further major success at Shinnecock Hills.
