Sergio García was spoken to by Masters officials after smashing his driver against a water cooler during the final round at Augusta National. The incident occurred on the 2nd tee when García, finding a bunker, slammed his club into the ground twice before breaking it on the cooler, leaving him without a driver for the remaining 16 holes.
Under Augusta's new conduct policy, a warning is followed by a two-shot penalty and disqualification for a third offence. García expressed limited remorse, saying: 'Just obviously not super-proud of it, but sometimes it happens.' He blamed frustrations 'throughout the year' rather than the specific moment.
Earlier in the week, Scotland's Robert MacIntyre had also drawn criticism for a middle-finger gesture and expletives after a nine at the 15th hole. García's outburst came as he finished eight over par, continuing a major slump since his 2017 Masters win. He has not recorded a top-10 in a major since that victory.
Adding to the drama, García was seen carrying the bag of playing partner Jon Rahm on the 2nd hole while Rahm's caddie raked a bunker. Rahm expressed sympathy, noting García's struggles: 'Obviously he hasn't been swinging it the way he would like.' Rahm finished one over par.
Keegan Bradley closed with a 66 to finish three under, while Viktor Hovland's 67 left him at four under as the leading groups began their final rounds.
