TREE OVER PAR
I had to run for my life after near-death experience at the Masters – I still have nightmares about it
Another spectator, labelled a hero for their quick reaction, reacted to the label
THE last thing you would expect when enjoying a day out at the golf would be a tree falling on you.
However, that is exactly what happened to Sylvia Martin during The Masters in Augusta, GA, USA last year.
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
Terrifying footage showed the moment of the Augusta National following violent winds in the afternoon.
Luckily no one was injured in the incident, but Sylvia has opened up on the psychological scars she has suffered as a result of the ordeal in an interview with .
Martin revealed how she would have nightmares about the trees for weeks after the incident, saying: "When you live through something like that, it’s traumatic...
"I would just hear the cracking sound and scream again.
READ MORE IN GOLF
"Then I would wake up kind of sweaty, kind of, like, just thankful to be alive. You just can’t believe that you lived through something like that."
She recalled how a shout of "go! go! go!" from Deshey Thomas saved her life.
Thomas had noticed pinecones falling from overhanging branches but thought nothing of it until he saw the three massive trees swaying before hearing an eerie crack which many admitted to believing was lightning at the time.
Martin said: "If he hadn’t yelled, I wouldn’t have gone. He saved my life."
Most read in Golf
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER
The interview saw Martin reunite with Thomas, who humbly said: "I wouldn’t say I was a hero. I just acted quickly. You know, the fight or flight kicks in."
He added: "Even on the golf course now, if I see a huge pine and it’s a windy day, I’m kind of looking up and reliving that moment.
Nine hidden secrets of the Masters Augusta don't want you to find out
"You never know how quickly life can come and go and how unexpected things could happen out of nowhere.
"Part of my perspective is just not taking any days for granted. Like, it was the best news I’ve ever gotten. When I walked on the grounds, I was, like, this is what they talk about. The Masters.
"And then it goes from being the best day of your life — of being at The Masters for your first time — to what could have been the worst day of my life as well."
This year adverse weather saw start of round one of The Masters delayed by an hour and a half.
The winner of this year's tournament will win more than £2.5million.
We've got the Masters covered
WE'VE got everything you need to know about this year's Masters.
- All the info on when it starts, who's playing and how you can watch it on TV
- Our expert's top tips on who's fancied to win a famous Green Jacket on Sunday
- The ultimate hole-by-hole guide to Augusta, including the iconic Amen Corner
- The golfers' glamorous Wags - from the daughter of an ice hockey legend to a 'Krispy Kreme connoisseur'
- The nine secrets of the Masters that the elitist Augusta members don't want you to know
Topics