TURFED OUT
Raging Sergio is disqualified after hacking Saudi greens
Sergio Garcia was chucked out of the Saudi International yesterday for giving the greens a battering in frustration.
Former Masters champion Garcia carded a one-over 71 on day three at Royal Greens only to be told not to bother turning up for the final 18 holes.
A disqualification was dished out for intentionally damaging greens on a day four eagles saw China’s Li Haotong soar into a share of the lead with world No.3 Dustin Johnson. Garcia said: “I respect the decision of my disqualification. In frustration I damaged a couple of greens, which I apologise for, and I have informed my fellow players it will never happen again.”
According to reports, the Spaniard damaged five greens, with players in the four groups following him around the course complaining to officials.
In a statement the European Tour confirmed the 39-year-old’s disqualification under rule 1.2a, which “allows for disqualification if a player has committed serious misconduct”.
Garcia became the first player on the Tour to be disqualified under the rule.
His conduct on the greens overshadowed Haotong’s as the 23-year-old chipped in for eagle at the first – one of four in a superb round of 62.
Haotong finished eagle-eagle to join Johnson on 16 under, five clear of nearest rival Tom Lewis (62) of England.
But the Chinese pro said: “Very lucky today. Those eagles, especially the last couple of shots, were really solid.
“But except for that, honestly my play wasn’t that good.”
Johnson had led by four after making six birdies and a single bogey in his first 12 holes only for Li to finish with a flourish.
DJ, who carded a 65, said: “For me, I just go out and play like I’ve been playing. Hopefully I can roll in a few more putts and see what I can do.
“Haotong is a good player. He’s obviously playing well right now. It’s going to be a tough match against him for the most part but I’m looking forward to it.”
Liam Johnston followed up Friday’s stunning 66 with a level-par 70 yesterday to sit in a share of 27th on four under.
Robert MacIntyre, the only other Scot to make the weekend of the inaugural event, is four shots further back after a 71.
World No. 2 Brooks Koepka had a horror 74 as the American started with a bogey and ended with a double-bogey seven to languish on three over.