Masters star Max Homa smashes shot into marshall and shouts three-word angry message

ace Max Homa was involved in an unfortunate gaffe on day one of the competition at Augusta National when he sent a shot flying into the back of a dazed course marshal. The star had found the rough from his tee shot on the eighth hole when he was attempting to correct his mistake.

His attempts met a roadblock though when his chipped shot aiming for the green hit the marshal slap-bang in the middle of his back after one bounce. The golf star, not best pleased with the marshal's clumsiness, sent a bellowing message in his direction.

As picked up by the television cameras, Homa can be heard saying: "Come on dude!" A desperate plea from Homa, who struggled to make an impact during a first-round outing that left him two over and down in joint 51st.

It was initially assumed the wandering man in the iconic Masters white boilersuit was a caddie, however, claims on social media suggest he is instead a course marshal. @alrada0621 explained: "It's not a caddie. 8 is hilly, if you're going for the green in 2, you don't know when the group is off the green. This guy is just a Marshall, signaling to the group in the fairway when the green is clear. Max isn't going for the green, he's laying up, accidentally hits him."

Homa now has work to do in order to make the cut, but his issues started long before his opening tee shot on Thursday morning. That's because the American parted ways with long-time caddie Joe Greiner on the eve of the tournament getting underway.

Underlining the fact it "wasn't his choice", the world No.81 explained: "I mean, it was not my choice, so it sucked. But he always had a deal that we're friends first and friendship mattered more than the work thing, and he was wise enough to do what he did.

"It's hard. I'm just so used to him caddying. And even just on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays, you just have this easy rhythm. But I was happy that he did it, because I would rather, at the end of my days, that we continue to be great friends than one of us resent the other for how hard this game can be on a relationship."

Despite their late split, Greiner has ended up working the bag at the Masters anyway, standing in as a last-minute replacement for Justin Thomas. His usual caddie, Matt "Rev" Minister, had picked up an injury, meaning Thomas was left scrambling around for an alternative before turning to Greiner.

, with Justin Rose the surprise overnight leader. The former major winner hit a stunning seven under during his first round, with reigning champion and bookies' favourite Scottie Scheffler in the mix at four under par. Rory McIlroy has work to do if he's to complete the career grand slam, having gone from four under to even par in the space of four taunting holes.