Garcia axed for damaging FIVE greens
SERGIO GARCIA was sent home in disgrace from the controversial European Tour event in Saudi Arabia yesterday after allegedly causing damage to no fewer than five greens.
In a temper tantrum that might be unparalleled in terms of length, the Spaniard was disqualified from the Saudi International for ‘serious misconduct’ after outraged fellow competitors in the next four groups — including Masters champion Patrick Reed — all complained to officials.
European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley stepped in and, after hearing from all sides, issued a disqualification that is believed to have no precedent.
The incident led to red faces all round beside the Red Sea, for Garcia was one of the players who was actually being paid to promote the tournament — but clearly not in this way.
In a short statement, the depth of his contrition hinted not only at Pelley’s fury but also the depth of feeling among those golfers affected.
The game’s new rules allow players to tap down damage on the greens but they certainly don’t expect to have to do it because one of their own has thrown a wobbly.
‘I respect the decision of my disqualification,’ said Garcia, who signed for a 71 before being sent home. ‘In frustration, I damaged a couple of greens, for which I apologise, and I have informed my fellow players it will never happen again.’
This is not the first time Garcia’s conduct has left his fellow players fuming.
In 2007, at a WGC event held at Doral in Florida, he caused widespread revulsion for spitting into the 13th hole after missing a short putt.
To be fair, there have been few sulks in recent years after meeting his American wife, Angela, having a child and basically growing up.
Garcia was disqualified under Rule 1.2a, which covers serious misconduct. He had shown his frustration in the second round after slamming a club into the sand following a poor bunker shot and was heard moaning about the greens in the clubhouse.
Stoking Pelley’s anger, at a tournament where he has been fighting a difficult battle against a rising tide of adverse publicity, must have been the fact the incident overshadowed a remarkable day’s golf.
Exciting Chinese player Haotong Li mustered an incredible four eagles during his round to set up an intriguing duel today against the lavishly paid American Dustin Johnson.
The latter appeared to be cruising with a four-shot lead with two holes to play, but Li finished eagle-eagle to catch him.
A month after American Chez Reavie became the first player on the PGA Tour to have three eagles on par fours in the same round since such records began in 1983, Li matched the feat and then some, by adding a fourth on the par-five finishing hole.
‘I was very lucky,’ said Li, who holed from off the green at the 1st and 10th, before driving the putting surface at the par four 17th and holing from 6ft.
A week after losing out to Bryson DeChambeau in the Dubai Desert Classic, the 23-yearold has a title shot against another celebrated American.
The pair are five clear of Englishman Tom Lewis, the only other player with a realistic chance of winning.
Lewis, 28, shot a brilliant 62 to continue a revival that has led to a string of good results recently, including his first tournament win for seven years at the Portugal Masters last September.