A Moment of Mayhem: When the Masters' Pressure Boiled Over
The Unfortunate Start to a Crucial Round: Sergio Garcia's Early Tee Time and Frustrations
On Sunday, April 12, the 2017 Masters champion, Sergio Garcia, began his final round early at 9:28 a.m. ET, positioned near the bottom of the leaderboard at 5-over par. This early start meant his round would conclude before CBS commenced its primary coverage, allowing him to play alongside fellow Spanish golfer Jon Rahm, who was also out of contention.
The Breaking Point: A Driver's Demise on the Second Hole
Despite the companionship, Garcia's mood appeared to sour. Following a less-than-ideal drive on the 585-yard par-5 second hole, which landed in a bunker, Garcia lashed out. He reportedly struck his driver twice against the tee box and then against a cooler, rendering the club unusable for the remainder of the round. According to ESPN, golf regulations prohibited him from replacing the damaged driver.
The Consequences and Unexpected Sportsmanship: A Warning and a Helping Hand
Officials, including Geoff Yang, chairman of the competitions committee, approached Garcia on the fourth tee to issue a code of conduct warning regarding his actions. Later, in a display of camaraderie, Garcia was seen carrying Rahm's clubs while Rahm's caddie attended to sand in the bunker on the second hole, momentarily easing the tension of the situation.
A Rollercoaster of Scores: From Par to Bogeys
Remarkably, after the driver incident and a bogey on his opening hole, Garcia managed to par the second hole, maintaining his score at 6-over. However, this recovery was short-lived, as he bogeyed the subsequent two holes, dropping him to 8-over par. In contrast, Rahm had a more consistent day, sitting at 3-under for the round and 2-over for the tournament.
The Champions' Legacies: Garcia's Past Glory and Rahm's Recent Triumphs
Sergio Garcia's 2017 Masters victory, achieved in a playoff against Justin Rose, remains his sole major championship. He boasts 11 PGA Tour wins and 35 worldwide victories, accumulating over $55 million on the PGA Tour. Jon Rahm, on the other hand, clinched the 2023 Masters by four strokes and also secured the 2021 U.S. Open, marking two major titles in his career.
The Thrill Continues: The Leaders and Broadcast Details for the Final Round
As the tournament progressed into its final round, defending champion Rory McIlroy and Cameron Young were tied for the lead. Golf enthusiasts could follow the live coverage starting at 2 p.m. ET on CBS, with streaming options available on Paramount+ and Masters.com, promising an exciting conclusion to the prestigious event.
