In what already has been a bizarre year for golf news — especially news involving the World No. 1 and police intervention — things got even weirder Sunday at the conclusion of the Travelers Championship.

As the final group of Scottie Scheffler, Tom Kim and Akshay Bhatia approached the 18th green during the final round at TPC River Highlands, with Scheffler leading Kim by a stroke, five environmental activists emerged from the crowd and stormed the green, spraying a colored powder or paint substance on the putting surface. (videos below)

Play was suspended for several minutes as authorities apprehended the protesters, who represented the climate activism group, Extinction Rebellion.

“I mean, I was scared for my life. I didn’t even really know what was happening,” Bhatia said after the round. “I was in shock and my heart rate was high. It got low and then once that kind of happened I was just freaked out, I just tried get over where everyone was.”

The craziness started as Scheffler was beginning to size up a 27-foot birdie putt that would have put the tournament out of reach for Kim. The first protester ran out from the crowd and into the front right greenside bunker. Kim himself had a 10-footer after a clutch approach to potentially force a playoff.

“It kind of took like the meaning of the putt kind of a way for a second,” Kim said. “Because like for the past 17 and a half holes all you’re thinking about is golf, and suddenly when that happens you’re just like, your mind goes into a complete, like, you’re almost not even playing golf anymore, like people are, security guards — like I thought it was a dream for a second.”

Scheffler started walking back toward Kim — both of whom looked bewildered — as the first protester descended on the green carrying smoke canisters. A can of red paint or power was tossed onto the green just a few feet from the hole location.

WATCH THE VIDEOS BELOW:

With Scottie Scheffler leading by one shot and Tom Kim 10 feet away for a tying birdie…

Protesters run all over the 18th green at the @PGATOUR Travelers Championship. Five in all taken away by police.

Paint left on the green. But no marker or ball disturbed. pic.twitter.com/nA7y1MgbVH

— Thad Brown (@thadbrown7) June 23, 2024

PROTESTORS STORM THE 18TH AT TPC RIVER HIGHLANDS@NUCLRGOLF @PGATUOR @GolfDigest pic.twitter.com/JSjcYidOaR

— TrackingScheffler (@SchefflerLegion) June 23, 2024

Article originally appeared on: Golf.com