“You need to stop it” – Sergio Garcia bristles at reporter

Sergio Garcia had a run-in with a reporter following a disappointment start to the 2023 Masters.

After opening with a two-over 74 at Augusta National, Garcia took umbrage at being asked how ‘normal’ it felt for him out there.  

Appearing to interpret that as a comment on his alignment to the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League, Garcia bristled.  

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“Totally normal,” said the 2017 Masters champion. “You guys need to stop it. You guys are making a big deal out of this, and it’s you guys. 

“I’ve had nothing but great things from every single player I talk to. So please stop it and talk about the Masters.” 

The 43-year-old, one of 17 LIV players left in the field this week following Kevin Na’s withdrawal after nine holes, was also asked for his take on the news that the DP World Tour has won its arbitration battle with multiple LIV players.  

The decision means the tour is now allowed to impose sanctions upon members who play on the Saudi-funded circuit with a release.  

Garcia, however, insists he knows nothing about it. 

“How can I talk about something I don’t know?” he said. “Obviously I don’t look at the news, so I don’t know what happened. I’m not going to talk about something without all the information that I need.” 

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He did, though, refuse to rule out entering DP World Tour events this year, insisting that he’ll “see how the year goes”. 

On his performance today, Garcia – who was two-under at the turn – added: “Obviously started nicely, but I don’t know, I hit some good tee shots on the front nine. I hit a couple not so great iron shots. I hit a couple really good iron shots. 

“I don’t know. Battling mentally a little bit. I was trying everything I could to do the best I could, and unfortunately the wheels started coming off a bit on the back nine.” 

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor