Golf fans have called for a Masters patron to be banned from Augusta for life after they shouted out “Give me back my son” after Rory McIlroy drove a tee shot. A chaotic third round in Georgia will be remembered for McIlroy losing an unprecedented lead.
The defending champion began round three with a record six shot lead, but the Northern Irishman could only muster a round of 73, having put together scores of 65 and 67 in the previous two rounds. As well as McIlroy failing to recreate his brilliance from the previous two rounds, Cameron Young of the USA also hit a magnificent round of 65 which shot him up to joint-first with the Holywood star. In and amongst the big talking points, many golf fans on social media were furious with a patron shouting out after McIlroy began the 17th hole.
After McIlroy sent a drive down the fairway, one patron shouted “Give me back my son” in what was an apparent reference to Mel Gibson’s hit 1996 movie Ransom. This shout has been heard in many other golf events over the years.
In 2023, one fan shouted this on the 4th tee of LIV Golf’s event in London after six-time major winner Phil Mickelson drove his ball. Patrons shouting out things like “Give me back my son”, “mashed potato” and “get in the bunker” are regularly heard in Ryder Cup events and other PGA Tour, DP World and LIV events.
However, at Augusta, which is famously known for its strict etiquette rules and emphasis on dignity and respect, golf fans were furious. One tweeted: “That is disgusting behavior, especially for Augusta National.”
Another added: “This is just totally unacceptable, what an idiot. Ban whoever said that for life,” while another wrote: “Get this guy off the premises immediately.”
On social media, it was widely said the patron who shouted was quickly escorted out of Augusta. It has also been claimed they will likely be banned from attending any other events at the illustrious course.
McIlroy has not commented on the incident and will likely not refer to it at any point in the future. However, he did admit he still feels calm about his hopes of retaining his title, despite losing the lead.
He said: “I would have wanted to be in a better position going into tomorrow starting with a six-shot lead, but I still have a great chance. I’m in the final group, which is exactly where you want to be.
“I wish I had a little bit more of a cushion, but I’m going to go to the range here and try to figure it out. I’ll need to be better tomorrow. I still have a great chance but if I’m going to win tomorrow, I’m going to have to be a little bit better than I was today.”