‘Not Welcome in Our Game’: Sergio Garcia Issues Apology Following Shocking Masters Outburst

Sergio Garcia has expressed remorse following his dramatic outburst during the final round of The Masters, where he vandalised the turf after a poor drive on the second hole and subsequently damaged his driver.

The 2017 champion commenced his round with a bogey and then delivered a lacklustre fade on the par-five second hole, which veered towards the bunker. In frustration, he slammed his club into the ground.

Garcia then struck his driver against a wooden bench containing a water cooler, leaving the club head hanging off the shaft.

He received a code-of-conduct warning at the fourth tee, a new measure introduced at this year’s Masters.

In a statement shared on social media on Wednesday morning (AEST), the 46-year-old conveyed his apologies and acknowledged his inappropriate behaviour.

“I wish to apologise for my actions on Sunday at The Masters tournament,” Garcia stated.

“I hold The Masters and Augusta National Golf Club in the highest regard within the sport of golf. I regret my conduct, which is unacceptable in our game.

“It doesn’t represent the respect and admiration I possess for The Masters, the patrons, tournament officials, and golf enthusiasts globally.”

When first questioned about the incident after his round, Garcia opted not to divulge what the official had said, remarking, “I’m not going to tell you.”

He also did not offer an apology after concluding his round with a score of 75, putting him in 52nd position among the 54 players who made the cut.

“I’m obviously not overly proud of it, but sometimes these things occur,” Garcia commented.

Since his victory over Justin Rose in 2017, Garcia has struggled to finish in the top 10 in any of the 29 majors he has participated in. He has missed the cut six times in eight Masters appearances since his win.

In 2019, Garcia was disqualified from the Saudi International for damaging greens in frustration. His controversial history includes kicking his shoe off in anger during a tee shot at the World Match Play in 2001, nearly hitting an official, and spitting into a cup while competing at a World Golf Championship in Doral following a three-putt.