Spanish amateur golfer Jose Luis Ballester caused a stir during the first round of the Masters tournament by urinating into Rae's Creek.
The 21-year-old, who was playing alongside world No 1 Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas, took the impromptu toilet break whilst playing the 13th hole at Augusta National.
The US Amateur champion's unconventional relief earned him applause from spectators who witnessed the incident on Thursday.
Ballester later admitted to reporters that he had forgotten about the available restrooms on the course.
Jose Luis Ballester admitted having a wee in Rae's Creek
Reuters
The incident occurred after Ballester had played his third shot on the par-five 13th hole, when he sprinted to the iconic water hazard.
"I didn't really know where to go, and since JT had an issue on the green, I'm like, I'm just going to sneak here in the river," Ballester explained.
The young Spaniard turned his back to the grandstand behind the 14th tee as he relieved himself.
His actions drew enthusiastic applause from the gallery, which Ballester described as "probably one of the claps that I really got today real loud".
When questioned about potential repercussions, Ballester remained completely unapologetic about his actions.
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"They saw me. They saw me," he told reporters after his round. "It was not embarrassing at all for me."
The young golfer doubled down on his stance, adding: "If I had to do it again, I would do it again."
Ballester explained his predicament: "I completely forgot that we had those restrooms to the left of the tee box. And then I'm like, I really need to pee."
Augusta National has been approached for comment regarding the incident.
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Jose Luis Ballester was applauded after being spotted relieving himself
Reuters
Augusta National is known for its strict rules and traditions, with the Green Jackets regarding their grounds as sacred.
Only last year, Australia's Jason Day was scolded for his choice of sweater at the prestigious tournament.
Earlier this week, a college coach was removed from the Masters practice range merely for wearing shorts.
The club has yet to offer any official comment on Ballester's creek incident, but it's likely the committee will take a dim view of his public performance.
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Such behaviour at one of golf's most revered venues is typically frowned upon by officials.
Ballester, who is tipped by double major winner Jon Rahm to be the next great Spanish golfer, carded a four-over-par 76 in his opening round.
The son of Olympians - his father a swimmer and mother a hockey star - is playing in his first Masters after winning last year's US Amateur championship.
Should Ballester finish as the lowest-scoring amateur at Augusta, he would receive the traditional silver cup awarded to the top amateur performer.
