Fan nearly picks up Rory McIlroy's ball during U.S. Open
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 19, 2026, 3:38 AM
Last updated Jun 19, 2026
During the first round of the U.S. Open in Southampton, New York, a fan appeared to grab Rory McIlroy's ball on the 4th hole. The moment generated a collective gasp from the crowd, recalling a similar incident at the Open Championship last year. However, the U.S. Golf Association later confirmed that the ball was not actually lifted; the fan stopped short of picking it up. McIlroy, seemingly unfazed, played the ball as it lay. He finished the round with a one-under 69 after an eagle and two bogeys in his final holes.
- •Incident occurred during the first round of the U.S. Open.
- •Fan approached McIlroy's ball on the 4th hole.
- •U.S. Golf Association ruled the ball was not picked up.
- •McIlroy finished the round at one-under 69.
- •He scored an eagle and two bogeys in his last holes.
- 3:38 AMYahoo Sports — That U.S. Open fan who appeared to grab Rory McIlroy's ball? There's a plot twist
"A fan appeared to pick up Rory McIlroy's ball in the opening round of the U.S.
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