“Villain turn”; “He didn't cheat, he used the rules” – Fans divided as Robert MacIntyre uses free drop to his advantage at the Scottish Open

Fan opinion on social media appears divided over Robert MacIntyre's free drop on the par-5 16th hole during the final round of the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open. After his first shot landed in thick grass, MacIntyre realized it would be a tough shot.

However, when he took a few steps back to practice his swing, he encountered a sprinkler head and called his caddie to check it. He was then able to advantage of USGA Rule 16.1. This Rule covers free relief that is allowed from interference by animal holes, ground under repair, immovable obstructions or temporary water.".

According to the rule, a player can get free relief if "the ball lies in or on the object, or the object interferes with the player's stance or swing."

MacIntyre was awarded the relief and then was able to make an eagle putt, helping him tie scores with Adam Scott. He then shot an impressive birdie on the 18th to end the round with a score of 3-under-67. The Scot emerged victorious by one stroke.

However, his free relief on the 16th hole has generated debate online, with fans arguing whether he was correct or wrong to take the free drop.

Fans responded to Nuclr Golf's post about MacIntyre on its X (formerly Twitter) account to share their opinions. Some fans supported MacIntyre, appreciating him for using the rule correctly, while others criticized him.

"Lmfao villain turn," wrote a fan.

"He didn't cheat, he used the rules," commented another fan.

One fan claimed it was cheating.

"It's a cheat," wrote another fan.

"Whoever says this was a cheat is the same person that moves their ball in the rough to a better lie," another fan added.

Here are more fans' reactions:

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Robert MacIntyre talks about his free drop at the Genesis Scottish Open

Following his victory at the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open, Robert MacIntyre opened up about the free drop he received on the par-5 16th hole. The Scot explained that while taking a practice swing, he encountered metal spikes beneath his shoe. After discussing it with his caddie, he was able to get relief.

“As I took a step back, obviously there was no high rough where it would tangle the club. So I could take the practice 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 said (via NBC Sports).

“And I said to [caddie] Mike ... ‘When I get up to the golf ball, am I standing on that sprinkler?’ And he’s laughing at me going, ‘yeah, yeah.’ 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 added.

The relief was game-changing for MacIntyre, who was trailing Adam Scott before he teed off on the 16th. The shot helped him match scores with the Aussie, and he then made a birdie on the 18th, all of this giving him a one-stroke lead overall at the end of the final round.

MacIntyre came close to winning last year's edition of the Scottish Open, but Rory McIlroy got lucky with a shot on the final hole and registered a one-stroke victory over MacIntyre. After a year's wait, MacIntyre fulfilled his dream of winning his home Open.

It was his second win of the season. With his remarkable win at the Scottish Open, MacIntyre earned $1.5 million in prize money and 500 FedEx Cup points.