Sergio Garcia has issued an apology after smashing his driver in anger during the final round of The Masters Tournament on Sunday.
The Spaniard, who won the Masters in 2017, was paired with fellow countryman Jon Rahm when the incident occurred early in the round at Augusta National Golf Club.
Driver Broken In Frustration
Garcia slammed his club into the turf twice after a shot on the par-five second hole finished in a bunker. Moments later, he struck a nearby cooler, snapping the head off the driver.
Because the club was damaged in anger, tournament rules prevented him from replacing it, leaving him without a driver for the remainder of the round.
Geoff Yang, chairman of the Masters competitions committee, issued a formal code-of-conduct warning to Garcia on the fourth tee.
Garcia Issues Public Apology
Following the incident, Garcia released a statement on social media acknowledging his behaviour was unacceptable.
“I want to apologise for my actions on Sunday at the Masters tournament,” he said.
“I respect and value everything that the Masters and Augusta National Golf Club represent in golf. I regret the way I acted and it has no place in our game.”
Garcia added that his reaction did not reflect the respect he holds for the tournament, its organisers and the fans who follow the sport.
Difficult Finish At Augusta
The incident capped a frustrating week for the 46-year-old. Garcia eventually finished the round with a three-over-par 75 and ended the tournament at eight over par, placing him third from last among the 54 players who made the cut.
When asked after the round what had caused his frustration, Garcia offered a brief explanation: “Bad golf.”
The tournament itself was won by Rory McIlroy, who secured his second consecutive Masters title with a one-shot victory.
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