“Adam Scott was robbed”; “Sorcery” – Fans react to Robert MacIntyre winning the Genesis Scottish Open with help of a controversial free drop

Last year's runner-up Robert MacIntyre fired a 3-under 67 in the final round to win the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open on Sunday (July 14), beating Adam Scott by one stroke. However, it involved a controversial free drop that sparked debate on social media.

On Sunday, Robert MacIntyre entered the final round of the Genesis Scottish Open at 15-under and was two shots behind Ludvig Aberg. Aberg lost the momentum on the final day while the Scotsman made the most of it to aggregate at 18-under and win his second title of the year.

During the final round, Robert MacIntyre was two shots behind Adam Scott after 15 holes but things took a turn from here. On par 4, 16th, he received a free relief after he found out that he was standing on the sprinkler. He made full use of it and fired an eagle. Then two holes later he made another birdie to seal the victory.

However, fans on social media didn't seem happy with the results and accused Robert MacIntyre of taking an unfair advantage. Here's a look at some of the reactions:

"Adam Scott was robbed," one fan wrote.

"Sorcery," another fan posted.

"MacIntyre hasn't won it. The rules official has presented him with the trophy," another fan commented.

"Such a sick putt but that drop on 16 was absolute horses***," another fan opined.

"The drop on 16 was Patrick Reed at his best. Dodgy.," this user wrote.

"Put an asterisk beside that stole it from a free drop," this user commented.

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"I just heard the clunk" - Robert MacIntyre reflects on the free relief at the Genesis Scottish Open

Following his win, Robert MacIntyre reflected on the whole free drop incident during the final round of the Genesis Scottish Open. He said, as per ASAP Sports:

"As I took a step back, obviously there was no high rough where it would tangle the club. So I could take the practise swing, like a foot, foot and a half from the ball, and just a step back. I just heard the clunk.

"I've got spikes on the front three of my shoes, not on my shoe as spikes, but just the front three studs as metal spikes, and I was like, no way. I've got a sprinkler underneath my foot. Obviously the plastic spikes at the back, you don't feel it."

MacIntyre then asked his caddie Mike Burrow if he was standing on the sprinkler to which he confirmed.

"It was just a lucky break. You use the rules to get advantage. You stand on a sprinkler, you're due relief. That was just the one kiss I needed," he concluded.

MacIntyre bagged $1.575 million and 700 FedEx Cup points for his second win on the PGA Tour.