‘Augusta National and The Rules Committee Should be Ashamed’: Tensions Flare at The Masters as Legend’s Delayed Farewell Reprimanded By Veteran Pro

The 87th edition of the Masters is currently underway at the prestigious Augusta National. Not just the iconic golfing moments but other sensational stories have also kept fans on the edge of their seats. One such moment arose when LIV golfer, Jason Kokrak, had not-so-pleasant things to say to an Augusta official on Friday.

The awkward moment arose when the Masters officials intervened during two time major champion, Sandy Lyle’s farewell. Lyle was about to make a 12-foot par putt when play was suspended. Around 500 patrons had gathered around the 18th hole at Augusta for the special moment. 

Jason Kokrak blasts Masters officials for spoiling Sandy Lyle’s special moment

Earlier this year, the 65-year-old pro golfer had expressed that his appearance at the 87th edition of the Masters will be his 42nd and final one. Fans of the golfer were looking forward to his final outing at the Augusta National.

Before Lyle could bid a special goodbye, the weather played spoilsport. The player is expected to return to the turf at 8 a.m. on Saturday and finish his second round. The intervention by the officials as the weather worsened was not met with a good response from golfers Jason Kokrak and Talor Gooch.

Throughout the play on the 18th, Kokrak could be seen cheering on the Scottish golfer. “I said, ‘It’s chicken s**t,’” Kokrak shared with Golf.com. The LIV golfer noted that the moment would have been extraordinary for Lyle.

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Following heavy downpours, players across the golf course were instructed to halt play. Kokrak’s request for an exemption to make Lyle’s final appearance memorable was also refused.

“I said this is a moment that he’s not going to get again. So I think Augusta National and the rules committee should be ashamed of themselves. And I’m really disappointed for him and his family for him not to be able to have that moment,” said Kokrak expressing his displeasure.

“This is a moment in history that he won’t get back, and you guys have ruined it,” Kyle told an Augusta professional.

Sandy Lyle’s farewell appearance at the 87th Masters

Ahead of the tournament, it was announced that 1988 Masters winner, Sandy Lyle, and 1987 winner, Larry Mize, would make their final appearance at Augusta this year.

Walking up to the green on Friday, Lyle was given a huge standing ovation. The golfer was overcome with emotions as he took off his cap in gratitude. However, the ominous weather at Augusta had other plans for the golfer.

As the golf course professionals suspended play, chants of “let him putt” could be heard around the 18th hole. The club stayed put on their decision, despite protests from Jason Kokrak and Talor Gooch. If the weather at Augusta allows, maybe the golfing star will return to the green on Saturday or on Sunday to finish his second round.

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What did you think of Augusta National’s decision to halt play before Lyle could get his farewell? Let us know in the comments below.