The 2026 Masters Tournament opened with a series of unusual incidents, including players striking fans and a major technical glitch disrupting the official app. Matt Fitzpatrick knocked a beer out of a spectator's hand on the third hole, while Xander Schauffele landed a tee shot inside a fan's merchandise bag. Bryson DeChambeau also struck a fan on the forearm. Meanwhile, the Masters app faced criticism for delays in updating the shot tracker, frustrating fans who relied on real-time updates.
Fitzpatrick's Beer Incident
Fitzpatrick's drive on the par-four third hole missed the fairway and struck a plastic cup held by a fan, spilling the beer. The fan, who later spoke to the Daily Mail, said he hadn't seen the ball coming. Fitzpatrick apologized, noting the ball was wet and joking that the beers at Augusta are "cheap."
Schauffele's Viral Shot
Schauffele's tee shot on the par-5 eighth hole veered left and landed inside a spectator's bag. Officials retrieved the ball, and Schauffele was given a free drop. The moment quickly went viral, highlighting Schauffele's consistency in majors, including past strong finishes at Augusta.
DeChambeau's Forearm Strike
DeChambeau's tee shot on the par-three sixth hole struck a fan's forearm. He apologized, shook hands with the fan, and gifted him a ball. The incident added to the chaotic start for the group.
Technical Glitches
The Masters app faced backlash for delays in updating the shot tracker, particularly after Shane Lowry's eagle on the 13th hole. Fans reported the play didn't appear on the app until after it had gone viral online, leading to frustration and calls for improvements.
Early Leaderboard Movement
Defending champion Rory McIlroy and other top players like Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm were among the early contenders. Patrick Reed and Sam Burns also made early moves up the leaderboard, while Lowry's eagle drew attention before the app issues overshadowed the moment.