Jason Kokrak blasts Masters officials for “ruining” Sandy Lyle’s farewell

Jason Kokrak has blasted Augusta National officials for spoiling Sandy Lyle’s Masters farewell. 

The Scot was about to make a 12-foot par putt in front of around 500 patrons who had gathered around the 18th hole on Friday afternoon when play was suspended.  

Despite protests from Kokrak and the other player in the group Talor Gooch – not to mention spectators who chanted “let them putt” – officials instructed Lyle to mark his ball. 

Consequently, and weather-permitting, the 1988 champion will return for one, maybe two, more shots at 8am on Saturday morning.  

• No injuries after trees fall at Augusta National

• Grand slam-chasing McIlroy misses Masters cut

It will be a less than ideal way to bow out for the Scot, who had previously intimidated that this will be his 42nd and final appearance in the first men’s major of the year. 

Speaking to Golf.com, Kokrak couldn’t mask his frustration at how the situation was handled. 

“It could have been a really cool moment for Sandy Lyle, his family, the patrons, Augusta National,” said the American.  

“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 [Lyle] and his family for him not to be able to have that moment.” 

• How Koepka can make Masters history this weekend

• Inside the chaos of the Masters Golf Shop

Kokrak revealed that he had challenged the official with their group, asking for Lyle to be allowed to finish. 

“The lady said it was above my paygrade,” he added. “I said, this isn’t something about paygrade or anything like that. This is a moment in history that he won’t get back, and you guys have ruined it. 

“I think it’s absolutely chicken s**t that they wouldn’t grant a special exemption. I think that should have been something that could have been something understood by anybody under the umbrella of Augusta National and the rules committee.” 

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor