Update: Golfer forced to apologise after ‘relieving himself’ on course at Masters News

The 21-year-old amateur just couldn’t hold it in for any longer

An amateur golfer competing in this year’s Masters championship has apologised to tournament officials after he relieved himself on the prestigious course.

Jose Luis Ballester, 21, had to say sorry to the event’s organisers after being observed urinating into Rae’s Creek in the first round of the 89th edition of the tournament on Thursday.

Playing alongside defending champion Scottie Scheffler and world number eight Justin Thomas, Ballester found himself needing a wee while playing the par-five 13th during his opening round of 76 at Augusta National.

The Spanish sportsman was initially unrepentant, telling reporters he would “do it again” if necessary, but appeared to have had something of a change of heart following a second round of 78.

Ballester said he had received messages of support from friends and was then asked if anyone from Augusta National had spoken to him.

“Well, I already apologised to the club and I think we just move on from this moment,” Ballester said.

He claimed that he had ‘forgotten’ there was a designated restroom next to the tee box of the 13th hole, adding that he thought he was being sneaky and that nobody would see him.

Instead, a section of the crowd who spotted Ballester answering nature’s call proceeded to cheer and clap for him.

England’s Justin Rose leads the Masters at the halfway point after scoring eight-under-par through two rounds.

The chasing pack is headed by Bryson DeChambeau (-7) with a resurgent Rory McIlroy (-6) and defending champion Scottie Scheffler (-5) ominously poised.

Play has already gotten underway today, with former champion Jon Rahm making an early move up the leaderboard with three birdies on the opening three holes.