Scottish golfer and 1988 Masters winner Sandy Lyle has said that British golfing viewers were "spoiled" in the 1980s and 1990s, when home nation players were some of the most successful around.
Lyle, who finished 14 over par at this year''s event, said there has been "a changing of the guard" regarding the golf world''s most dominant nations, with US and South African players winning the most-recent titles.
Commenting on the efforts of the British men, he said: "It''s not for want of trying, they are all trying their best out there right now.
"We''ve had some good years and were spoiled in the 80s and 90s with the British and European players almost controlling the Masters."
His comments followed a 2008 Masters that promised so much for the British contingent after the opening day, but resulted in Nike golfer Paul Casey and Ping player Lee Westwood ranking the highest of all the UK stars in 11th place - having achieved level par.
England''s Justin Rose had been level with eventual winner Trevor Immelman at the top of the leaderboard following the opening day''s play.
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