"Come On!": PGA Tour pro questions U.S. Open official during final round

Jun 22, 2026, 2:53 AM CUT

Bildnummer: 03701547 Datum: 24.05.2008 Copyright: imago/Icon SMI Silhouette von Robert Karlsson (Schweden) - PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY (Icon36963444); Vdig, quer, close, Gegenlicht, Golfspieler, Spieler, Golfer, Symbol BMW PGA Championship 2008, European Tour Virginia Water Golf Herren Einzel Einzelbild Aktion Personen Symbolfoto Image number 03701547 date 24 05 2008 Copyright imago Icon Smi Silhouette from Robert Karlsson Sweden PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxRUSxSWExNORxONLY Icon36963444 Vdig horizontal Close Gegenlicht Golfer Players Golfers symbol BMW PGA Championship 2008 European Tour Virginia Water Golf men Singles Single Action shot People Symbolic image

Bob MacIntyre made his frustration clear during the final round of the U.S. Open after approaching an official beside the 11th green at Shinnecock Hills.

The PGA Tour pro questioned what he believed was inconsistent watering of the course's greens, a concern that had been building throughout the day. He pointed to what happened on the 11th as one example.

MacIntyre said, "I've watched mine from the tee, and it's taken two bounces then gone over the green.” He added, "Four holes prior, I'm standing on the seventh tee, and I'm watching Joaquin Niemann hit into the second hole, and he's pitched it round about the pin and spun it off the front of the green. Come on."

Jun 13, 2026; Caledon, Ontario, CAN; Robert MacIntyre hits his tee shot at the second hole during the third round of the RBC Canadian Open golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

The conversation happened at the par-3 11th hole. Both Bob MacIntyre and his playing partner, Chris Gotterup, hit tee shots that landed beyond the hole and rolled down the slope at the back of the green.

While the conversation was not heated, television cameras caught MacIntyre speaking to a rules official about conditions. He felt they were changing from hole to hole.

The Scot said he approached the official because players had been informed about green maintenance earlier in the week. According to MacIntyre, the response he received was largely what he expected.

"Yeah, I was pissed off and thought I am going to go and ask the question. I don't normally do that, but I just thought, 'you know what, I am going to ask him why'," he said.

MacIntyre also referenced The Open Championship, saying officials keep players updated on changing course conditions throughout the tournament.

Despite his complaints, the 29-year-old acknowledged that some of his reaction came from disappointment with how his week had unfolded. He finished the championship at 7-over par after closing with a level-par 70.

Bob MacIntyre left Shinnecock Hills frustrated despite a strong finish

MacIntyre's final-round score included birdies on the 13th, 16th, and 17th holes after he had been 2-over through 12. A bogey at the last dropped him back to even par for the day.

Looking back on the week, he felt his game had been good enough to contend before a difficult stretch during the second round pushed him down the leaderboard.

"I've been playing well, and I should be right in the golf tournament, to be honest," MacIntyre said.

The runner-up at last year's U.S. Open at Oakmont also described Saturday's conditions as the toughest of the week. He now turns his attention to the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.

What do you think about MacIntyre's comments on the greens at Shinnecock Hills? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Sneha Abraham

Edited by

Ankita Yadav