‘Nice to Use It on The Last Hole’: Former Masters Champion Opens Up About Caddie’s Humble Gesture Over the Legend Bidding Farewell to Augusta

Retiring from golf can be a difficult choice for a player. It can be difficult to give up the sport to which they have devoted their entire lives. Many golfers find their retirement to be bittersweet since they may miss the friendships and rivalries that come with competing on the tour. However, retirement can provide a golfer the chance to take stock of their achievements and look back on a career full of memorable experiences and triumphs.

In the realm of golf, things lately have been sentimental. The former Masters winner, Sandy Lyle, has said his final goodbyes to the sport with an emotional ending.

Sandy Lyle bids farewell following a caddie’s lovely gesture

The 1988 Masters champion had previously decided to stop competing after this year’s tournament. Following his decision, Lyle’s final outing at the 87th Masters was eagerly anticipated by golfers and fans alike. Many previous Masters champions, friends, and other retired players bid their farewell to Lyle as well.

Read More: As an Era Comes to an End, Sir Nick Faldo and Other Golf Legends Emotionally Bid Farewell to an Iconic Masters Champion

According to GOLF, the final part of this retirement, meanwhile, was more sentimental. Lyle made it to the weekend, but he fell short of the cut. But following a sweet gesture on Saturday, Lyle’s caddie, Ken Martin, made his retirement even more emotional. Martin pulled out a replica of the putter Lyle used in 1988 from Lyle’s kickstand bag on Saturday as the two-time major champion was about to start playing.

While giving the putter, Martin held it with his left hand near the center of the shaft and his right hand towards the bottom. Martin gave Lyle a serious look and handed him the putter. However, after taking the putter, Lyle kissed it and Martin eventually laughed.

The story of Sandy Lyle’s replica of 1988 putter

A replica of Lyle’s putter which he used during his 1988 Masters triumph was made for him to use on his last Masters outing. The former Masters winner had two putters including the 1988 replica during this year’s Masters. However, on Thursday and Friday Lyle played with his 4-and 3-irons. The special 1988 replica putter was planned to be used at the end. This special putter then surely gave rise to an emotional moment on Saturday morning.

Following the use of this ’88 replica putter, Lyle said, “We thought it would be nice to use it on the last hole from a, whatever, 10, 12 feet. And I had it presented to me by my caddie and the old royal, here’s the sword, wipe the blood off, that kind of thing.” How well his last outing might have gone, the end was surely an emotional one.

What are your views about the caddie’s gesture? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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