Golf fans cause chaos during lightning delay at The Players Championship

Golf fans have been recorded walking onto the green on the 14th par-4 at TPC Sawgrass during the break in play for lightning.

Leader Rory McIlroy was yet to make it to the 14th green where fans were spotted trudging over to the flag to take photos for their social media handles. 

Sky Sports Golf commentator Nick Dougherty, who was watching on from the commentary booth, could not believe what he was seeing.

“Don't think he’s a greenkeeper," said Dougherty after watching one fan stroll across the green to capture a snap of himself with the flag on 14. 

“I hope he’s enjoyed his trip here because I think it’s just come to a close.”

McIlroy had just made birdie on the the 11th to move one shot ahead when the klaxon sounded and play was halted due to lightning in the area. 

Play was eventually suspended at 1:15pm local time and the lengthy delay resulted in a number of fans getting a little too confident by entering the green.

A lot of fans back home however saw the funny side, with one X user saying: “Unpopular opinion this is awesome haha.”

Another added: “That's objectively hilarious.”

One fan asked the question: “Why isn’t anyone doing anything?”

Perhaps with the fears of lightning, stewards and security decided to seek shelter rather than stand guard in the downpour.

Play eventually got underway at 5.15pm local time. 

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