Sergio Garcia’s stunning Masters meltdown prompted ’embarrassed’ Saudis to pull funding from LIV Golf, bombshell new report claims
Sergio Garcia’s meltdown at the Masters helped persuade LIV Golf’s Saudi backers to pull the plug on the rebel tour, a bombshell new report has claimed.
LIV Golf is fighting for its future after Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund announced it would stop funding beyond the 2026 season.
‘The substantial investment required by LIV Golf over a longer term is no longer consistent with the current phase of PIF’s investment strategy,’ a statement read at the time. ‘This decision has been made in light of PIF’s investment priorities and current macro dynamics.’
The news sent shockwaves across the world of golf and has plunged the future of many huge names – including Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm – into doubt.
According to a report by the Financial Times, one of the triggers for the PIF’s decision was Garcia’s blow-up during the final round at Augusta National in April.
At the second hole, the 2017 Masters champion drove his ball into a fairway bunker. Even before the ball had landed, he began to repeatedly hammer the turf with his driver, ripping out a chunk of earth.
Sergio Garcia’s Masters meltdown reportedly helped persuade LIV Golf’s Saudi backers to pull the plug on the rebel tour
Garcia snapped his driver after repeated smashing it in a fit of fury at the Masters
The incident at Augusta is said to have left PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan ’embarrassed’
The 46-year-old then turned to the cooler box to the right of the tee with a vicious swipe, snapping the club head off the shaft.
According to the FT, the incident – as well as LIV golfers’ struggles at Augusta – left PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan ’embarrassed’ and ‘helped lead to his decision to pull the plug on PIF’s financing’ of the tour. The Daily Mail has contacted LIV Golf for comment.
At the time, Garcia was issued with a code of conduct warning by Masters officials. ‘Obviously not super proud of it, but sometimes it happens,’ the Spaniard said immediately after his round before apologizing two days later.
‘I want to apologize for my actions on Sunday at The Masters tournament,’ Garcia said. ‘I respect and value everything that The Masters and Augusta National Golf Club is to golf.
‘I regret the way I acted and it has no place in our game. It doesn’t reflect the respect and appreciation I have for The Masters, the patrons, tournament officials and golf fans around the world.’
A few months on, many LIV stars face uncertain futures. This week’s event in Indianapolis is the season finale after organizers canceled the tour’s individual and team championship in Michigan.
In Indianapolis, players were given the chance to choose ‘walk-up songs’ on the 12th – the designated ‘Party Hole.’ Tyrrell Hatton opted for Queen’s ‘I Want To Break Free’ at what could be his final LIV Golf event.
According to Fried Egg Golf, it was a deliberate choice that was ‘openly discussed’ in the locker room. Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin, meanwhile, chose ‘Breaking Free’ from High School Musical.