Garcia disqualified 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 the 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 Miami, he caused widespread revulsion for spitting into the 13th hole after missing a short putt.
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 after a bunker shot.
Stoking Pelley’s anger, at a tournament where he has been a fighting a battle against 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. The pair are 16-under, five clear of Englishman Tom Lewis, who shot a brilliant 62 and is the only other player with a realistic chance of winning.
Paul Dunne hit a level-par 70 and lies three under, in a share of 36th.