LIV Golf’s Jason Cockrack repays the Augusta officials for their treatment of legend Sandy Lyle at the recent Masters tournament…after the 1988 champ was forced out by a storm on the 18th – and was forced back and beaten the next day!
LIVE Golf star Jason Cockrack slammed Augusta officials’ “chicken***” decision to have 1988 champion Sandy Lyle leave the 18th unbaked after bad weather halted play Friday afternoon.
Lyle, who was appearing in his 42nd and final Masters tournament, was about to miss an opportunity to clip and hit the ball one last time at Augusta National when electrical storms stopped play.
Although fans surrounded the green for Lyle’s big moment, he was forced off the green and eventually ended his run on Saturday, with far fewer sponsors in attendance – two statuses on par.
“It’s a chicken,” Cocrack – who was playing Lyle – said afterward. It would have been a really great moment for Sandy Lyle, his family and pioneers, Augusta National, being the 88 champion.
He and Larry (Miz) were their last gentlemen. I asked them for a special dispensation. They said they wouldn’t blow the horn for a few more minutes, but the trees fell on the 17th.
Sandy Lyle receives a small standing ovation after exiting the 18th green – much later than planned
Lyle shows patrons a replica of the gold putter he had when he won The Masters in 1988
Lyle and Larry Meze (R) both ended their Masters careers for the last time on Saturday
You said this was a moment he would never have 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 that he couldn’t have that moment.
Kokrak left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf this past July, but he seemed to reminisce about the sport’s lore with his comments regarding Lyle’s final round.
The weather played a huge role in the proceedings in Augusta during this year’s tournament, with Sunday’s third and fourth rounds pressed as organizers try to avoid playing on a Monday.
Friday’s play was halted when three trees fell next to the 17th tee, narrowly missing patrons sitting underneath.
Jason Kokrak (R) watches Friday as officials force players out of the 18th
The difficult decision of forcing Lyle off the course was made amidst safety concerns, as officials attempted to clear the course before anyone was injured.
Fortunately, no further accidents occurred and the three fallen trees missed all the patrons who were watching the event.
Saturday’s play also stalled early, and Tiger Woods withdrew from the competition shortly before he was scheduled to play 29 holes of golf on Sunday.
