Sergio Garcia Faces Backlash After Damaging Tee Box At LIV Golf Event
Sergio Garcia is under fire after video footage showed him angrily damaging a tee box during Friday's LIV Golf event in Miami. The incident occurred after the Spanish golfer missed a putt, leading to a visible outburst where he repeatedly struck the ground with his club.
The viral clip, shared across social media, shows Garcia leaving deep divots on the 13th hole at Trump National Doral. Tournament officials confirmed they are reviewing the incident but have not yet announced disciplinary action. Garcia has not publicly commented.
Golf fans and analysts are divided over the incident. Some argue it reflects poor sportsmanship, while others claim frustration is common in high-pressure tournaments. LIV Golf, known for its relaxed rules compared to the PGA Tour, has faced scrutiny over player conduct in recent months.
The timing is awkward for Garcia, who is set to compete in next week's LIV Golf Adelaide event. Critics question whether the league will address the behavior or let it slide as part of its "entertainment-first" approach. Course staff repaired the damage before play resumed.
This isn't Garcia's first controversy. He was previously fined for similar conduct during PGA events. The incident trends as LIV Golf struggles to balance its rebellious image with maintaining professionalism in the sport.