The course siren that echoed around a soggy Augusta National on Saturday evening signalled the end of play for the day. It also concluded a sorry episode for golf fans trapped by an antiquated tradition behind the Masters and its television coverage.

Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm, alongside amateur sensation Sam Bennett, ensured a captivating final group for viewers after the third round groups were hastily pushed out following the unrelenting downpour. It was due to provide both magnificent golf alongside the theatre of LIV Golf vs PGA Tour, which has consumed golf for more than a year. The final players began their round shortly after 6pm BST, but fans were denied a conventional way to watch until after 8pm BST.

Many imagined scenarios such as Wimbledon denying fans a chance to watch one of its finals until several games into the first set. A sheepish Nick Dougherty pleaded for patience during the excellent Sky Sports coverage in the UK, desperately trying to fill time, even if some coverage was available via the red button.

The situation was then exacerbated after approximately 17 minutes. A miserable experience compounded after television coverage was abruptly ended due to the weather as puddles masked the steep slopes around the greens. It left the patrons on site with a sad march away from the property and many disgruntled at home.