LIV Golf Pro Given Warning by Masters Competition Committee Chairman Over Property Damage

Soon after the incident, the chairman of the competition committee, Geoff Yang, issued Garcia a code-of-conduct warning on the 4th tee.

This marked the first code-of-conduct warning issued at the Masters under the newly introduced policy, with Garcia becoming the first player to receive it. The PGA Tour has also been working toward implementing a similar code across its competitions.

Already 16 shots behind the leaders, Garcia’s struggles on the par-5 2nd hole fueled his frustration. His struggles continued through the fourth round, and his frustration became apparent.

Eventually, Garcia lightened the mood by carrying his partner Jon Rahm’s bag. The crowd appreciated the gesture and applauded.

Garcia’s history of misconduct

Garcia has a history of on-course incidents when things don’t go his way. Back in 2019, he damaged five greens at the Saudi International by scuffing them with his feet and putter.

In 2007, Garcia missed a putt and went on to spit in the bottom of the cup at Doral. Similarly, at the 2012 U.S. Open at Olympic Club, he swung his club with such intensity that it chopped an ESPN tee-box microphone in half.

Garcia once slipped on a tee shot at the 1999 World Match Play Championship at Wentworth. He then removed the offending shoe and threw it at the tournament sponsor’s sign. He didn’t stop there. With a kick of the shoe, Garcia narrowly missed the referee’s face.

Whether Sunday’s formal warning will curb this behavior remains to be seen.