Greg Norman of Australia and Sandy Lyle...

Greg Norman of Australia and Sandy Lyle of Scotland were among several golfers who walked off the course to protest playing conditions during the final round of the $207,000 Australian Open Championship at Melbourne.

After a meeting at the third hole, where gale force winds were blowing golf balls off the green, the players in the final three groups walked off the course, forcing organizers to postpone the round and reschedule it for today.

However, several players including Lyle had prior commitments and were forced to withdraw from the tournament.

A number of players were jeered by angry spectators following the walkout.

Norman was the leader by seven shots over Jerry Anderson of Canada.