LIV Golf star Jason Kokrak slammed officials at The Masters, after 1988 champion Sandy Lyle 's Augusta swan song was delayed due to wet and windy weather in Georgia.
Lyle has proven to be a stalwart of the famous Augusta setup, and was competing in his 42nd and final Masters at this year's event. Despite tricky conditions the veteran battled through the elements, and made his way up the iconic 18th fairway for one final time late on Friday.
Lyle was given a deserving hero's reception on the 18th green as looked to roll in one final putt, 34 years on from his Augusta victory.
His bow out was dramatically delayed though as the dreaded horn was signalled, suspending play due to the weather conditions. Cruelly, Lyle was forced to pick up his ball and return the following day once play had restarted to finally bring the curtain down on his Masters career.
The underwhelming finish was criticised by Kokrak, who accompanied Lyle in his final two rounds alongside fellow LIV man Talor Gooch.
Labelling the decision to not allow the Scot the chance to putt out on Friday evening 'chicken s***', Kokrak said: "It's chicken s***.
"It could have been a really cool moment for Sandy Lyle, his family, the patrons, Augusta National, being the 88 champion. Him and Larry [Mize] being their last Masters. I asked them for a special exemption.
"They said they weren't even going to blow the horn for a few more minutes, but the trees came down on 17. 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."
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Despite the drama, Lyle was still able to wave his goodbyes to the Augusta patrons, and paid tribute to Kokrak, who clapped the 1988 champion in on Friday.
He told BBC Sport : "They [the patrons] have been very supportive and more noticeable probably yesterday. They all stood up coming up the 18th and Jason Kokrak stood by the green and clapped for me all the way from there.
"So they're nice memories and I'm going away with, going home with a good feeling."
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