SPORTS

Garcia breaks driver, receives first-ever Masters warning

PUBLISHED Apr 12, 2026, 4:22 PM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 8

Center 100%

Sources: 8

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Sergio Garcia broke his driver on the No. 2 tee at Augusta National on Sunday during the final round, slamming the club into turf and a cooler after an errant tee shot. Tournament officials later issued the 2017 champion a code-of-conduct warning, marking the first such warning at the Masters. Geoff Yang, in his role as chairman of the competitions committee, spoke with Garcia on the fourth tee on Sunday and delivered the warning; no additional penalties were announced. The Garcia-Rahm pairing, both players affiliated with LIV Golf and out of contention, produced a lighter moment when Garcia briefly carried Jon Rahm’s clubs on the same hole.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Opening bogey and errant tee shot earlier in the final round on Sunday.
On No. 2 tee, Garcia slammed his driver into turf and a cooler, breaking the club.
Garcia removed the driver head and briefly carried Jon Rahm’s clubs on the same hole.
Geoff Yang, competitions committee chair, spoke with Garcia on the fourth tee.
Garcia was issued a code-of-conduct warning, the first such warning at the Masters.

News Intelligence

Garcia's outburst shows even pros lose their cool. It's a reminder that golf is as much about mental strength as physical skill. If you're a golfer, remember to keep your emotions in check on the course. It's not just about sportsmanship, but also about preserving your equipment.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8

Who Benefited

Tournament officials and Augusta National benefited by enforcing conduct standards and demonstrating oversight of player behavior during a high-profile event.

Who Impacted

Sergio Garcia suffered reputational impact and received a formal code-of-conduct warning after breaking his driver on the No. 2 tee.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 8
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Tournament officials and Augusta National benefited by enforcing conduct standards and demonstrating oversight of player behavior during a high-profile event.

Who Impacted

Sergio Garcia suffered reputational impact and received a formal code-of-conduct warning after breaking his driver on the No. 2 tee.