ESPN's 'First Take' Criticized For Embarrassing Masters Segment

Golf fans were not happy with coverage of The Masters from ESPN's "First Take." And we don't blame them.

Monday morning, after Rory McIlroy won his second straight Masters, finishing the 2026 tournament at -12, Stephen A. Smith and Brian Windhorst discussed the first major of the year. Why is Brian Windhorst covering The Masters for ESPN's biggest morning show? Windhorst is apparently a big golf fan, but it's not something he's known for.

ESPN's "First Take" spent much of the time discussing the controversy involving McIlroy's win. Some in the sports world have accused McIlroy of getting too many practice rounds in at Augusta National. Others in the golf world have said that it's no big deal.

Smith took the side of McIlroy having an advantage.

"I don't know how anybody else feels about that. He didn't break any rules, didn't violate anything. I'm not saying that, please don't get me wrong. But what I am saying is that does give you an advantage. Not only familiarity with the course because you've been playing there for years, but you've been there over the last few weeks. That's what he said. And saying that, you have some people that will believe from a gentleman's perspective that was an unfair advantage. I don't think it should take anything away from what we saw him do. I respect the man; he's a two-time Masters champion right now. We all know he's one of the greatest golfers in the world, but I did think that was important to bring that up with you," Smith said.

Golf fans, meanwhile, ripped ESPN for the segment

"Anyone playing in the Masters can make scouting trips. Non-ball knowers trying to make this a story when it's literally nothing new and everyone does it," one fan wrote.

"This is what happens when non-golf fans have an opinion about golf. This is not a new thing. Tiger did this every year and was praised for his hard work and focus, now golf is hitting these non golf watchers and they're spewing nonsense," one fan added.

"Great, two people who have no idea what they're talking about when it comes to Golf," one fan added.

"Stick to your sports. Most players on the tour can get that amount of practice time. Kevin Kisner and lots of pros say it doesn't make a difference and others like rose or Scott had way more time at ANGC than Rory," one fan added.

"Really! What utter inane gobbledegook. Do these guys know ANYTHING about tournament play at the highest level. Wasted a few minutes of my life listening to this drivel," one fan added.

Golf fans won't be tuning into First Take's coverage moving forward, it appears.

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This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 6:44 AM.