Was Sandy Lyle right to walk off at the Open?

The rain fell, the wind blew and Sandy Lyle's glasses got wet. The former Open champion was so disenchanted with the whole experience at Royal Birkdale that he packed up his kagool and stomped off in a huff after only nine holes.

The Scot also complained of a numbness in one of his fingers but is this enough to put a premature end to what should be the highlight of any golfer's calendar? Did Lyle's actions disrespect the competition? Isn't dealing with the weather conditions an integral part of the game? And what about the reserve players who have missed out on a chance to say they have played in the Open? If Lyle didn't fancy it, should he have pulled out beforehand to let a more enthusiastic golfer take his place?

Or was the double major winner right to leave? He has nothing to prove so why should he let the conditions make him look like a club hacker? And what about the possible injury to his finger - wouldn't continuing have made it worse?

What do you think - should Lyle have played on or was he right to quit? Vote now and leave your comments below.

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Comments

[Donald Blair]

I was astonished at how apparently unashamed he was during the interview with Hazel Irvine. He really seemed to believe that he could offer a rational explanation for behaving like a complete wimp. Wet glasses ?? He's never played in the rain before ?? A professional golfer who's never considered laser surgery or contact lenses?
And some bright-eyed hopeful gets bumped from a qualifying slot for Sandy's nine holes.
No Ryder Cup captaincy for him, I hope.

[confiteor]

he should have played. Anything to avoid that grilling he suffered at the hands of hazel Irvine. What a Rottweiler she is....

[Brian Aspinall]

He should of played on, this is a total lack of respect, how can he even be considered to be a ryder cup captain.

He isnt good enough to play in the open anymore anyway, he cant keep taking up spaces when he can no longer compete. I was at the course yesterday and there was no talk of a hurt finger, i think this has been added in to hide his blushes.

My mark is an excellent player he could of played instead!!

[Callum Fraser]

It's extremely sad that he quit in such a manner. It suggests a basic weakness in his character which raises serious doubts about his ability to lead the Ryder Cup team. It should now end the speculation on whether he should be selected.

[kvs]

I am saddened by the fact that 3/4 of your readers feel that Sandy should not have quit the Open. To be treated with such callous disregard after soldiering on through nine holes with wet glasses AND a sore finger... I can only say that I am ashamed of my English ancestry. If your readers had a shred of compassion, they would feel as sorry for Mr. Lyle as he apparently does for himself.

[Bon Travels]

Come on, this is all part of the championship. Champions don't walk away. He should retire to Spain if he can't cope with British weather.

[William Kirkpatrick]

He should have played on. The weather is part of the game and he know that. It is an ingetral part of Links golf. He has kept another competitor from playing. This shows a lack of respect for fellow competitors and the greatest Golfing Championship in the World.

[William Kirkpatrick]

He should not have played. This kept someone else from playing. An act of disrespect to fellow competitors and the greatest Championship in the World. The weather is part of the game and he knows that.