ESPN is once again facing a backlash after the broadcaster prominently featured a non-golf celebrity during its Masters coverage. The Masters is widely considered one of the most prestigious events in the sport. ESPN had already been rebuffed by Augusta National Golf Club after the governing body denied contributor Pat McAfee a studio spot on the grounds during the tournament.

And during Thursday's opening round, viewers took to social media in their droves to express their fury after WWE wrestler Michael Gregory Mizanin, better known as The Miz, appeared alongside veteran ESPN reporter Laura Rutledge during the Masters broadcast. "Just a continuation of how ESPN has degraded over a number of years," wrote one user on X.

"I don't think ESPN actually employs golf analysts/personalities anymore. So they just take from what they have and these folks are all about it. Who wouldn't want to get paid to be at the Masters," wrote another.

Another irate social media user wrote, "ESPN has desecrated the Masters with their coverage this week."

The Miz was not the only non-golf personality on site during the week. Jason Kelce was present at Augusta for ESPN as a sideline reporter during the Par 3 Contest on Wednesday.

He made his on-screen debut dressed in a caddie outfit, unfolding a lawn chair and speaking conspicuously loudly on an otherwise hushed and serene course.

Golf's most prestigious tournament granted Kelce permission to attend - despite turning away his fellow ESPN star McAfee and his broadcast crew - while Scott Van Pelt and Marty Smith conducted more conventional interviews on the sidelines as Kelce roamed the grounds.

And social media viewers made clear they were far from impressed by the retired NFL star's presence on their screens.

"I'll lose my mind if I see Jason Kelce hit a golf shot during this par 3 contest," one X user wrote. "Jason Kelce just absolutely brutal in his first appearance at Augusta," wrote another.

Kelce's debut began with him strolling amongst the crowd, hollering about his lawn chair as the Par 3 Contest got underway behind him. He unfolded a Masters lawn chair and took a seat as the camera circled around him with spectators openly gawping in uncomfortable silence.

"1) Absolutely no one wants to hear or see from Jason Kelce during Masters week. Really bad choice to allow that. 2) It's time for @LPGA ladies to have a go at your beautiful little piece of heaven. Not an exhib either. Full on battle," wrote someone else.