'Stop!' Sergio Garcia snaps over LIV Golf question at Masters

Sergio Garcia’s patience reached boiling point at the Masters when asked how he felt about returning to Augusta National in 2023.

The potential for sparks to fly across the PGA Tour-LIV Golf divide was strong, but ultimately fell flat after a number of players played down the hostility.

But it seems the fiery Spaniard had been asked one question too many on the subject and snapped back at a reporter after carding a 2-over-par 74 on day one.

“Totally normal,” he said. “You guys need to stop it. You guys are making a big deal out of this. It’s you guys.”

The reporter denied that the media are responsible for stirring tension, to which Garcia replied: “Yes it is. I’ve had nothing but great things from every single player I talk to. So please stop it and
talk about the Masters.”

BUY MASTERS MERCHANDISE ON AMAZON

Garcia has gone through arguably the biggest public fallout concerning two players since the LIV Golf League was born last summer.

He accused former European Ryder Cup team-mate and good friend Rory McIlroy of lacking maturity back in February and stated it was the Northern Irishman who had the problem, not him.

Many players have revealed things have been amicable in Georgia this week, and the Champions Dinner on Tuesday, hosted by Scottie Scheffler, was also a glittering success.

Matt Chivers

Now on the wrong side of 25, Matt has been playing golf since the age of 13 and was largely inspired to take up the game by countless family members who played golf during his childhood.

Matt is a member at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal playing off a 5 handicap, just a pitching wedge away from his hometown of Dover where he went to school and grew up. He has previously been a member at Etchinghill and Walmer and Kingsdown in Kent.

Having studied history at the University of Liverpool, Matt went on to pass his NCTJ Exams in Manchester a year later to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a journalist. He picked up work experience along the way at places such as the Racing Post, the Independent, Sportsbeat and the Lancashire Evening Post.

Matt joined NCG in February 2023 and is the website’s main source of tour news, features and opinion. He has reported live from events such as The Open, the Ryder Cup and The Players Championship, having also interviewed and spent time with some of the biggest names in the sport.

Consuming tour golf on what is a 24/7 basis, you can come to Matt for informed views on the game and the latest updates on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, LPGA Tour, Ladies European Tour and LIV Golf.

What’s in Matt’s bag: Cobra LTDx LS driver, Cobra LTDx 3-wood, TaylorMade P7MC irons, Ping Glide 4.0 wedges, Odyssey putter.