Horrifying moment trees collapse near spectators during Masters tournament

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Horrifying moment trees collapse near spectators during Masters tournament

The shocking moment was aired on live TV, as ESPN covered the golfing tournament.

Golf is usually a fairly genteel game, with viewers able to take in the lush surroundings as they watch the relaxing sport.

Some spectators got more than they bargained for though, as three huge pine trees came crashing down into the crowd during the Masters on Friday.

Although no one was injured, all play has been suspended after the terrifying incident.

The shocking moment was even caught on camera as ESPN covered the championship tournament between Min Woo Lee, Harrison Crowe and Larry Mize.

Prior to the three pro golfers teeing off, there had been stormy weather in the area.

However, staff at the sporting event had felt it was safe enough to continue.

As the world watched the drama on the 16th green though, attention quickly turned to the chaos unfolding behind them as high winds brought down the three huge pine trees.

Off-camera, people could be heard shouting to warn others as fans fled to avoid one of them falling on top of them during the tournament.

Thankfully, no one was hurt but many have been left concerned and staff were seen cutting up the offending trees with chainsaws as people evacuated the course.

However, the shocking moment led to serious questions about the safety of the tournament - which was suspended shortly after the incident.

The shocking moment was caught on camera as fans fled.
Twitter/ @dylan_dethier

Sky Sport’s Paul McGinley was particularly critical as he reacted to the footage, telling viewers: “Someone could have been killed, easily. Luckily, no one was hurt.”

Fans have also been left concerned by Friday’s incident, with many taking to social media to vent their frustration.

On Twitter, one fan reacted angrily and commented on a clip of the terrifying moment.

They wrote: “How does a place that prides itself on every inch being “pristine” not know a tree of that size was dead.”

Others quickly followed, with another adding: “The person that the trees fell on both sides of has to be the luckiest person alive.”

Despite the carnage surrounding yesterday’s championship, the Masters has assured viewers the tournament will continue.

One fans even escaped two trees.
Twitter/ @ShooterMcGavin_

In a short statement about the Augusta National, they announced that play would resume on Saturday – subject to the weather improving.

The statement read: “Augusta National Golf Club can confirm that no injuries were reported from three trees that were blown over to the left of the No. 17 tee due to wind.”

It continued: “The safety and well-being of everyone attending the Masters will always be the top priority of the club, which will continue to closely monitor weather today and through the tournament.”

“The second round has been officially suspended for the rest of the day. Play will resume Saturday morning at 8:00am (12pm BST).”

Featured Image Credit: @dylan_dethier/Twitter

Topics: Sport, Film and TV, US News, Viral