Despite a highly entertaining final day of action, it was an ugly moment involving Sergio Garcia which somewhat stained the closing round of the 2026 Masters.
The 2017 champion lashed out in frustration, appearing to damage the turf off a tee box and snapped his driver when seemingly hitting a water cooler.
The incident, which unfolded amid mounting struggles with his game, saw Garcia vent his anger. There was visible damage to the tee box area and he reportedly received a warning from tournament officials.
While professional, and amateur golf for that matter, is no stranger to moments of sour outbursts, the scale of Garcia’s reaction raised plenty of eyebrows. This was particularly the case given the Masters’ long-standing reputation for demanding exemplary decorum.
There had already been scenarios of player behaviour earlier in the week that were called into question by golf fans. Both Robert MacIntyre and Shane Lowry, involved in separate on-course frustrations, were criticised for their language and fiery behaviour.
But it was Garcia’s actions that crossed the line most notably.
According to The NCG Golf Podcast hosts, Dan Murphy and Tom Irwin there had been warning signs throughout the week.
“I speak as a massive Garcia fan; he’s been pretty foul when I’ve seen him,” said Murphy. “I’ve watched him be clapped onto tees as a past Masters champion and barely look up.”
The lack of a public apology and recognition of his ill-tempered outburst also drew plenty of criticism.
Irwin pointed out: “For all the stuff you say about formality in golf, people have given him plenty of opportunities to go; ‘I’m really sorry about that, I’ll happily pay a fine’, or ‘I’ll make donation to a charity’, whatever it is.
“Just be a bit humble about it.
“The pattern seems to be to double down on it. Why? Just say I’m really sorry, I won’t do it again. Really sorry, I’m clearly embarrassed.
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“You can always forgive the visceral heat of the moment thing because it’s relatable. But what is also relatable is that when you have done something wrong you just go; ‘shouldn’t have done that’.”
Murphy added: “Maybe behind the scenes things have been said and it has all been done behind closed doors, which is fine, but when asked four hours later is it too much to apologise?”
Main image: Masters champion Sergio Garcia walks off the fairway during the final round of the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club | Source: Augusta National
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