Sandy Lyle won't play in the 2024 Masters after the LIV golf star slammed tournament bosses

Masters icon Sandy Lyle ended his illustrious career at Augusta National in 2023 when his 42nd and final appearance on the course came to an end in unexpected circumstances.

The Scot experienced the finest hour of his illustrious career in legendary Georgia when he was awarded the green jacket in 1988. In the late 1980s he was arguably one of the world's most outstanding golfing talents and was in the top ten of the world golfer rankings for 187 weeks between 1986 and 1989.

His success at the Open in 1985 established his growing reputation as he won his first of two majors over the course of his career, which saw him win 32 professional tournaments. However, becoming the first Brit to win at Augusta meant his legacy endured long before his final foray at the Masters last year.

For a man who will forever be fondly remembered for his career-defining heroics on the 18th hole in the final round of the 1988 event, he was eliminated in somewhat bizarre fashion in his final appearance at the Masters. He failed to make the cut at the Masters in 2023 as play was suspended due to bad weather as he prepared for his final putt in the second round.

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The difficult conditions meant he had to come back the next day to sort things out and the veteran ace felt the effects of a night of celebration on the eve of his farewell. On reflection, Lyle admitted that he had enjoyed “a lot of tequila and a little whiskey tasting” the night before before braving a foggy Augusta morning one last time.

LIV golf star Jason Kokrak was one of those who were sad for the legendary Scot, especially since he was denied the chance to putt on that Friday evening. He called organizers and said, “It could have been a really cool moment for Sandy Lyle, his family, the patrons, Augusta National, as the 1988 champion.”

“Him and Larry [Mize] as their last masters. “I asked them for an exemption,” he continued, while disturbed by what was unfolding. They said they wouldn't even honk the horn for a few more minutes, but on the 17th the trees fell, I said. That's a moment he won't have again.

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As Lyle reflected on his swansong, he admitted he asked the officials to give him a chance to make the putt before play was unceremoniously stopped. He admitted to BBC Sport: “I probably needed about 30 seconds more and would have had the chance to make the putt. We tried to talk to the official: 'You know, please let us finish.' But no, they followed the rules, and rules are rules, and we had to follow them.”

Nevertheless, he seemed satisfied with the decision as he accepted the position that had been assigned to the officers and continued: “You [the patrons] were very supportive and probably even more noticeable yesterday. On the 18th they all got up and Jason Kokrak stood on the green and clapped for me from then on.

“So they are nice memories and I go home with a good feeling. If you look back, it has moved very quickly since 1988, but it has never let me down,” he said. “Winning the tournament really makes you appreciate how big the Masters is, the memories and the way you are treated as a former champion.”

Lyle then added, “I look forward to coming back here every year for the Champions Dinner, playing the par-3 course and playing on Sunday.” [before the Masters]. “It's a shame that we didn't have a chance to finish yesterday, but that's just how it is,” said the 65-year-old.