See golf ball, pick it up. That’s not cool under any circumstance on the golf course because you might very well be messing with someone’s live ball that they’re playing. We all know golf fights break out over stuff like this.
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Performing this indiscretion in a major on television? You’ll get the reaction that a fan got overnight (Australian time) in the US Open at Shinnecock Hills.
A fan appears to touch Rory’s ball after a wild shot from the fescue. 😅 pic.twitter.com/nJmuWXC2Ud
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) June 18, 2026
Rory McIlroy seemed to get lucky on his pulled drive at the par-4 fourth – his 13th hole of the day. It went wide enough to get into the grass trampled down by spectators. And then he hit a shockingly bad shot – “Dead right!” exclaimed commentator Jim “Bones” Mackay – with the ball bouncing high off a cartpath and settling into an area of short, brown grass and dirt.
There was a delay in the usual mob rush to surround the ball like we usually see – just one guy standing and pointing at it. Which is maybe why a woman standing nearby thought it was OK to pick it up. So, she bent down to grab the ball, only for the TV producer to cut back to McIlroy! Although we did hear the crowd groan, “Noooo!” So at least it got the proper reaction from those knowledgeable people on the ground.
There was no further follow-up on the possible handling by the broadcast crew. But as those who know the rules understand, the situation falls under Rule 9.6 of the Rules of Golf. It states: “If your ball is moved by an outside influence, such as an animal or a spectator, there is no penalty to anyone and the ball must be replaced.”
McIlroy ultimately played it from the spot where his ball originally came to rest. And, of course, the world No.2 hit a good wedge from there and then drained an 18-footer for a huge par save.
One hole later, he made eagle and took the outright lead, eventually signing for a one-under 69.
So, anyway, lesson learned for at least one fan, but hopefully she’ll get a laugh out of her 10 seconds of golf infamy.
