SportGolfRory McIlroyExecutives at the US Open have released an official statement on the controversy surrounding Rory McIlroy's opening round at Shinnecock Hills on Thursday11:20, 19 Jun 2026Updated 11:26, 19 Jun 2026The USGA have confirmed that a fan did not interfere with Rory McIlroy's ball during the first round of the US Open on Thursday. The Northern Irishman's opener at Shinnecock Hills was shrouded in controversy when it was alleged that a spectator picked up his ball on the fourth hole.‌As the Career Grand Slam winner punched the ball from thick rough toward the green, it bobbled of a cart path and into a spectator area. A female fan then appeared to walk over to the ball and pick it up - a breach of professional rules - as crowd members were heard yelling: "No," nearby.‌However, a statement from the USGA has since confirmed that McIlroy's ball was not interfered with, putting to bed any controversy surrounding the 37-year-old's opening round of 69. It read: "Right after McIlroy’s second shot on the 4th hole came to rest, it appeared on the broadcast that a fan was about to pick it up when the camera moved away.‌"However, based on the testimony of fans and a review of the available video, his ball was not lifted. The fan stopped just before picking it up and McIlroy played the ball as it lay."Despite no infraction taking place, a number of social media users called for a ban for the spectator who hastily rushed over to McIlroy's ball. One wrote: "Kick her out," while another added: "Is that a stupid fan or fan doing on purpose? It’s hard to imagine going to golf tournament and picking up balls. Always some people who don’t belong, but I wonder."‌A third said: "You are at a US Open and a golf ball lands next to you. The presumption is that you treat it like it is radioactive."Meanwhile, a fourth asked: "How can you be at the US Open and not know to never touch the ball?" while a fifth pondered: "Who goes to the US Open and doesn’t know to not pick up a golf ball."Article continues belowThere will be more to follow on this breaking news story and Mirror Sport will bring you the very latest updates, pictures and video as soon as possible.Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.Follow us on Google News, Flipboard, Apple News, Twitter, Facebook or visit The Mirror homepage.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Rory McIlroyUS Open GolfPGA TourGolfUSGA