Former Masters Champion Sergio Garcia Issued Warning After Outburst

Garcia smashed his driver into the ground after an errant tee shot on the second hole at Augusta National.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:55am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a frustrated golfer smashing his club on the ground, with sharp geometric shapes and muted earth tones conveying the intensity of the moment.A former Masters champion's emotional outburst on the course exposes the high standards of sportsmanship expected at prestigious golf tournaments.Augusta Today

The final round of The Masters at Augusta National got underway Sunday morning, and there was already drama as a wave of golfers began their final 18 holes. One of them was 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who had a viral moment on the second hole after an errant tee shot. Frustrated, Garcia smashed his driver into the ground, drawing criticism from fans and officials.

Why it matters

Outbursts and unsportsmanlike conduct from professional golfers, especially former champions, can undermine the integrity and decorum of the sport. Augusta National takes pride in maintaining a high level of etiquette and respect among players, and incidents like Garcia's could lead to harsher penalties or suspensions in the future.

The details

After hitting his tee shot on the second hole into the trees, a visibly frustrated Garcia slammed his driver into the ground, breaking the club. This type of outburst is rare for the typically reserved Spaniard, who has won 11 PGA Tour events including the 2017 Masters.

  • The incident occurred on the second hole of the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament on Sunday, April 13.

The players

Sergio Garcia

A 39-year-old Spanish professional golfer who won the 2017 Masters Tournament.

Augusta National

The private golf club that hosts the annual Masters Tournament in Augusta, Georgia.

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What’s next

Augusta National officials are expected to review the incident and determine if any disciplinary action is warranted against Garcia for his outburst.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the high standards of conduct expected from professional golfers, especially former champions, at prestigious tournaments like the Masters. While occasional emotional outbursts are understandable, Augusta National may need to consider stricter penalties to maintain the decorum and sportsmanship that the event is known for.