Furious calls for Masters winner to have lifetime exemption scrapped after 'disgraceful behaviour'

Callum Vurley
Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:14:47 +0000

Sergio Garcia sparked fury at Augusta National during Sunday's final round of the Masters after an explosive tantrum on the second tee.

The 2017 champion lost his composure when his drive found the fairway bunker, repeatedly hammering his driver into the pristine turf and tearing up grass in the process.

His rage then turned to a nearby cooler box, which he struck with such force that the club head snapped clean off the shaft.

The 46-year-old Spaniard, who now competes on the LIV Golf circuit, was issued a code of conduct warning by tournament officials.

Garcia was forced to complete the remaining 16 holes without his driver, eventually finishing in 52nd place at eight over par while Rory McIlroy claimed back-to-back titles.

ESPN presenter Mike Greenberg was among the most vocal critics, taking to X to demand that Augusta National reconsider Garcia's automatic invitation to future tournaments.

"A lifetime exemption is a privilege extended by Augusta to its champions out of respect," Greenberg wrote. "If that respect is not reciprocated, there is no law that says a past champ cannot be banned."

The longtime "Get Up" host added: "I'm not sure they should have Sergio Garcia back after the garbage he pulled today."

All Masters winners receive a standing invitation to compete at Augusta for the remainder of their playing careers, one of the tournament's most cherished traditions.

However, Greenberg's comments suggest that privilege should not be unconditional when champions fail to uphold the standards expected at golf's most prestigious major.

Social media users echoed Greenberg's sentiments, with many demanding the Spaniard face permanent exclusion from the tournament.

"Garcia should be banned from the course for LIFE," declared one supporter on X, where footage of the incident quickly went viral.

Another wrote: "Respect the course and those who work to keep it pristine. Sergio has a history of disrespecting courses by tearing them up this way. He's awful. Augusta should ban him."

One fan branded it "shocking behaviour from a previous Masters Champion" and called for his exclusion from next year's event.

Others referenced his move to the Saudi-backed breakaway tour, with one posting: "Absolutely disgraceful behaviour. Get back to LIV where nobody watches or cares."

A handful offered alternative perspectives, with one suggesting it was "a breath of fresh air to see some emotion from a sportsman instead of being a robot."

Garcia offered little remorse when questioned about the incident afterwards.

"Obviously not super proud of it, but sometimes it happens," he said after completing his round.

When pressed for further explanation about his behaviour and the official warning, he became terse, stating "I'm not going to tell you" before snapping: "Next question please."

Sergio Garcia had to be spoken to by Masters officials after lashing out during his final round at Augusta! 😳 pic.twitter.com/UnfswNNs5F
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) April 12, 2026

The outburst was far from an isolated incident for the Spanish golfer. He was disqualified from the 2019 Saudi International for "serious misconduct" after deliberately damaging greens following a bunker meltdown the previous day.

At the 2022 Wells Fargo Championship, he clashed with officials over a lost ball ruling.

Just last July at The Open Championship, he destroyed another driver during a final round fit of temper.