Sergio García stars in incident at the Masters and receives warning
Spanish golfer Sergio García was the protagonist of an unusual moment at the Masters in Augusta, breaking his “driver” on the 2nd hole after a fit of temper on the tee on Sunday. This incident earned him a warning for conduct, something unprecedented in the history of the tournament. The situation, which initially generated tension, took an unexpected turn when García carried his compatriot Jon Rahm’s clubs, creating a lighter moment on the course. The group of García and Rahm, which brought together two former champions and LIV Golf figures, was already generating expectation. However, García raised the intensity of the game.After a first shot that veered to the right, the 2017 Masters champion showed frustration on the second hole, hitting his club against the turf twice after a shot that ended up in a bunker. Apparently, he also damaged the teeing ground.
García, visibly annoyed, walked to the back of the tee and smashed his driver against a cooler, breaking the club head. According to the rules of golf, he was not allowed to replace the club, as the damage was a result of his behavior. Geoff Yang, as the competitions committee chairman, spoke with Garcia on the fourth hole and issued him a warning for conduct. Garcia did not want to reveal what he was told and avoided apologizing for his actions after his round of 75 strokes (+3).
Jon Rahm, left, and Sergio García walk on the third hole during the final round of the Masters on Sunday.
Since his victory at Augusta National in 2017, García has missed six cuts and tied for 23rd in 2022. He finished in 52nd place out of the 54 players who made the cut on Sunday. When asked why he has played poorly at the Masters since his victory, Garcia responded: “Bad golf.” When questioned about whether there was anything specific that led him to play poorly, he said: “Bad shots.” The PGA Tour has been developing a code of conduct policy for competitions, and the Masters was the first to implement it.I’ve been frustrated throughout the year. I’m not proud, but sometimes it happens.
Sergio García
