{"id":17465,"date":"2025-04-13T20:55:08","date_gmt":"2025-04-13T20:55:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/17465\/"},"modified":"2025-04-13T20:55:08","modified_gmt":"2025-04-13T20:55:08","slug":"masters-organisers-spark-major-backlash-with-controversial-decision-as-rory-mcilroy-targets-glory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/17465\/","title":{"rendered":"Masters organisers spark major backlash with controversial decision as Rory McIlroy targets glory"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Masters has sparked controversy by altering the traditional pin location on the 16th hole for Sunday’s final round.<\/p>\n

Instead of its usual back-left position, organisers have placed it back-right, as it was in earlier decades.<\/p>\n

The traditional placement has historically provided good opportunities for hole-in-ones and has been the scene of dramatic moments.<\/p>\n

Most notably, Tiger Woods made a memorable chip-in at this location back in 2005.<\/p>\n

\"Masters\"\/<\/p>\n

The Masters has sparked controversy by altering the traditional pin location on the 16th hole for Sunday’s final round<\/p>\n

GETTY<\/p>\n

The change has upset many fans who consider the Sunday pin position on the 16th to be an iconic part of the tournament’s final day drama, however.<\/p>\n

The tournament explained the change with a post on social media.<\/p>\n

“Sunday’s hole location on No 16 matches that of the final round of the 1975 Masters in honour of the 50th anniversary of Jack Nicklaus winning his fifth Green Jacket,” they stated.<\/p>\n

The decision appears to be a deliberate nod to golfing history, commemorating one of the sport’s greatest champions.<\/p>\n

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Sunday pins at the Masters. \ud83d\ude0d<\/p>\n

The 16th pin is NOT in its traditional Sunday location. \ud83d\udc40 pic.twitter.com\/RtFryRjM8w<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 GOLF.com (@GOLF_com) April 13, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Nicklaus’s fifth Masters victory in 1975 was a significant milestone in his illustrious career.<\/p>\n

Despite the historical significance, the change has disrupted what many consider a sacred Masters tradition on the tournament’s most dramatic day.<\/p>\n

Golf fans have not reacted well to the surprising alteration.<\/p>\n

One posted on X: “the tournament is bigger than any one player or moment even Jack would admit\/agree with that. Saturday for respect yes Sunday deserved the traditional pin position with all of its history you guys dropped the ball here.”<\/p>\n

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Another wrote: “yeah not sure I like this call. Traditional Sunday placement is better.”<\/p>\n

Some responses were more blunt, with comments including “epic fail”, “absolutely stupid idea” and “this is awful”.<\/p>\n

One particularly upset fan even suggested that “whoever chose this location needs to be fired on the spot.”<\/p>\n

Despite the controversy over the pin placement, excitement for Sunday’s round remains immense.<\/p>\n

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The final round of the Masters, arguably the most prestigious golf tournament of the year, will feature Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau in the final pairing.<\/p>\n

Both players are vying for the coveted Green Jacket.<\/p>\n

McIlroy holds a two-shot lead over DeChambeau after recovering from a disappointing opening day.<\/p>\n

He posted impressive back-to-back rounds of 66 to establish his advantage.<\/p>\n

McIlroy is bidding to win the tournament for the first time and finally complete a career Grand Slam.<\/p>\n

\"RoryRory McIlroy is bidding to win the Masters for the first timeREUTERS<\/p>\n

The Northern Irishman has been in pursuit of the Masters title for years to join golf’s most elite club.<\/p>\n

DeChambeau delivered some late drama on Saturday to secure his place in the final pairing.<\/p>\n

He drained a spectacular 48-foot birdie putt from off the green at the closing par-four 18th.<\/p>\n

The pairing sets up a rematch of their battle at last year’s US Open, where DeChambeau took advantage of a late collapse by McIlroy to claim victory.<\/p>\n