The Open Championship at Royal Portrush has lived up to expectations, with plenty of excellent golf on display.
From world number one Scottie Scheffler to home favorite Rory McIlroy, many of the world’s best players have put on a show.
Unfortunately, there are always some competitors who let themselves and the tournament down with unsportsmanlike behavior.
One of LIV Golf’s biggest names has done exactly that on day four of The Open, and fans are not impressed in the slightest.
Golf fans criticize Sergio Garcia at The Open Championship
Sergio Garcia is usually a class act. That’s why his actions on the second hole at Royal Portrush were even more eye-opening.
Garcia pulled his drive a long way left towards the spectators on the 557-yard par five and then snapped his club in frustration.
Not only was this an embarrassing outburst from the Spaniard, but it also made the remaining 16 holes so much more difficult because you can’t change clubs mid-round.
Golf fans immediately took to social media to criticize Garcia. “Should be kicked off the course. Damaged the tee as well,” one commented.
“He has no divine right to be in the Open, and he should have been escorted off the course,” said another. “Sure there will be a kindergarten close by for him to smash the rest of the bag up.”
A viewer added: “There should be penalties for breaking clubs in temper! So many kids watching and it’s just ridiculous how many players are at it.”
“Embarrassing! Should be disqualified and taken off the grounds. What an example to set to others,” one replied.
Another posted: “I’ve never seen so much club throwing as I’ve seen over this weekend. Pretty poor if you ask me.”
“They need to start dishing out penalty strokes,” and “Red card. Go home,” were two more disappointed responses to the incident.
Sergio Garcia’s mediocre performance at The Open Championship
Sergio Garcia’s behavior would not be acceptable for any of the 156 players in the Open Championship field, but it would at least be more understandable if he were playing badly.
It’s not like Garcia was having an awful first or second round at Royal Portrush and looking likely to miss the cut, or that he had blown his chance to win the Claret Jug.
Instead, Garcia has played okay throughout the week, shooting a 70, 73, and 70 in the first three rounds, respectively.
Ironically, he made a birdie on the second hole after snapping his driver and could climb into the top 40 with a strong back nine.
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